Fin's Fish Guide
The Livingstone's mormyrid (Marcusenius livingstonii) is a freshwater fish of the family Mormyridae that grows up to 30 cm.
Description
Livingstone's mormyrid is an African elephantfish from fresh water of southern Africa, including Lake Malawi and the Zambezi. The species grows to about 30 cm and has an elongate, dark body with a short, downward-curved snout. With a weak electric organ in the tail it generates an electric field to navigate and communicate in turbid, nocturnal water. As a nocturnal bottom fish it searches for insect larvae and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Livingstone's mormyrid?
The Livingstone's mormyrid has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Weak electric tail organ; nocturnal navigation in turbid water
Where does the Livingstone's mormyrid live?
The Livingstone's mormyrid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southern Africa
How big does the Livingstone's mormyrid get?
The Livingstone's mormyrid grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the Livingstone's mormyrid dangerous to humans?
No, the Livingstone's mormyrid 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.
Is the Livingstone's mormyrid edible?
The Livingstone's mormyrid is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Marcusenius
More from the family Mormyridae
Want the complete picture on the Livingstone's mormyrid?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Livingstone's mormyrid is one of 12,519 species in the app.