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Hutereau's elephantfish (Petrocephalus hutereaui) — Mormyridae

Hutereau's elephantfish

Petrocephalus hutereaui
Family: Mormyridae

The Hutereau's elephantfish (Petrocephalus hutereaui) is a freshwater fish of the family Mormyridae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Congo Dem Rp

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Description

Hutereau's elephantfish is an elephantfish (Mormyridae) from slow-flowing rivers, swamps and floodplains of Central and West Africa. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a stocky, silver-grey body with large eyes and a small, blunt mouth. It generates a weak electric field to orient and communicate in turbid water. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it searches for insect larvae and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Hutereau's elephantfish?

The Hutereau's elephantfish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Hutereau's elephantfish live?

The Hutereau's elephantfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Africa: Congo Dem Rp

How big does the Hutereau's elephantfish get?

The Hutereau's elephantfish grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Hutereau's elephantfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Hutereau's elephantfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Hutereau's elephantfish sourced
Scientific name
Petrocephalus hutereaui
Family
Mormyridae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Africa: Congo Dem Rp sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Petrocephalus

More from the family Mormyridae

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