Fin's Fish Guide
The Elephantfish (Mormyrops caballus) is a freshwater fish of the family Mormyridae that grows up to 46 cm.
Description
The elephantfish is an elephantfish (Mormyridae) from West and Central Africa. The species has an elongate, dark body with a blunt head and a fairly small mouth. Like its relatives it generates a field with a weak electric organ in the tail with which it orients and communicates in turbid water. It lives bottom-bound in rivers and searches at night for insect larvae, insects and small invertebrates. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Elephantfish?
The Elephantfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Weak electric organ for orientation in turbid water; nocturnal elephantfish of West and Central African rivers.
Where does the Elephantfish live?
The Elephantfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. West and Central Africa; coastal rivers.
How big does the Elephantfish get?
The Elephantfish grows to a maximum of about 46 cm.
Is the Elephantfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Elephantfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Elephantfish edible?
The Elephantfish is rarely eaten.
Want the complete picture on the Elephantfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Elephantfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Mormyrops
More from the family Mormyridae
Want the complete picture on the Elephantfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Elephantfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.