Fin's Fish Guide
The Kingsley's elephantfish (Paramormyrops kingsleyae) is a freshwater fish of the family Mormyridae that grows up to 14 cm.
Fresh water of West and Central Africa, in slow-moving water of rivers, creeks and swamps.
Description
Kingsley's elephantfish is a dark elephantfish of the family Mormyridae (elephantfishes) reaching about 14 cm. It has a short, blunt snout with a terminal mouth. Characteristic of the family is a weak electric organ in the tail base, with which it orients itself in turbid water and communicates with conspecifics. Notably, different populations of this species have their own, recognisably different electric pulses, making it an important model animal for research into electric communication and speciation. It comes from West and Central Africa and lives in slow water of rivers, creeks and swamps. At night it searches the bottom for insect larvae, worms and small invertebrates.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Kingsley's elephantfish?
The Kingsley's elephantfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Dark elephantfish with a short, blunt snout and a weak electric organ; different populations have their own unique electric pulses.
Where does the Kingsley's elephantfish live?
The Kingsley's elephantfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of West and Central Africa, in slow-moving water of rivers, creeks and swamps.
How big does the Kingsley's elephantfish get?
The Kingsley's elephantfish grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.
Is the Kingsley's elephantfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Kingsley's elephantfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Kingsley's elephantfish edible?
The Kingsley's elephantfish is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
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Status & sources
Same genus Paramormyrops
More from the family Mormyridae
Want the complete picture on the Kingsley's elephantfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Kingsley's elephantfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.