The Stanley's snoutfish (Marcusenius stanleyanus) is a freshwater fish of the family Mormyridae that grows up to 21 cm.
Description
Stanley's snoutfish is a dark African fish of the family Mormyridae (elephantfishes) reaching about 21 cm. The stocky, brown-black body has a short snout with a fleshy chin appendage with which the fish searches the soft bottom for prey. Like all elephantfishes it generates weak electric pulses with an organ in the tail; with them it orients in turbid water, recognises conspecifics and communicates - a kind of 'electric language'. The species comes from the Congo basin in Central Africa and lives in quiet, turbid rivers and creeks. Mainly at night it hunts insect larvae, worms and small crustaceans. Elephantfishes have a proportionally very large brain mass, linked to their electric sense.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Stanley's snoutfish?
The Stanley's snoutfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern.
Where does the Stanley's snoutfish live?
The Stanley's snoutfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.
How big does the Stanley's snoutfish get?
The Stanley's snoutfish grows to a maximum of about 21 cm.
Is the Stanley's snoutfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Stanley's snoutfish is harmless to humans.
Is the Stanley's snoutfish edible?
The Stanley's snoutfish 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
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