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Marianne's elephantfish (Pollimyrus marianne) — Mormyridae

Marianne's elephantfish

Pollimyrus marianne
Family: Mormyridae

The Marianne's elephantfish (Pollimyrus marianne) is a freshwater fish of the family Mormyridae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
7.3 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Angola, Namibia

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Description

Marianne's elephantfish is a small elephantfish (Mormyridae) from turbid fresh water of West Africa. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a stocky, dark body with far-set dorsal and anal fins and a small, rounded head. With a weak electric organ in the tail it generates electric pulses to navigate and communicate with conspecifics in the dark 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 Marianne's elephantfish?

The Marianne's elephantfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Marianne's elephantfish live?

The Marianne's elephantfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Africa: Angola, Namibia

How big does the Marianne's elephantfish get?

The Marianne's elephantfish grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Marianne's elephantfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Marianne'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
Marianne's elephantfish sourced
Scientific name
Pollimyrus marianne
Family
Mormyridae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.3 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Africa: Angola, Namibia 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 Pollimyrus

More from the family Mormyridae

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