The Congo featherback (Papyrocranus congoensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Notopteridae that grows up to 29 cm.
Description
The Congo featherback is a knifefish from fresh water of the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species grows to about 29 cm and has a laterally compressed, knife-shaped body with a long, continuous anal fin with which it swims forward and backward in undulating fashion, and a reduced dorsal fin. As a nocturnal fish it shelters by day among roots and plants and hunts insects, crustaceans and small fish at night. The fish is harmless to humans. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Congo featherback?
The Congo featherback has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern.
Where does the Congo featherback live?
The Congo featherback lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.
How big does the Congo featherback get?
The Congo featherback grows to a maximum of about 29 cm.
Is the Congo featherback dangerous to humans?
No, the Congo featherback is harmless to humans.
Is the Congo featherback edible?
The Congo featherback is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Papyrocranus
More from the family Notopteridae
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