Fin's Fish Guide
The Sauvage's stonebreaker (Petrocephalus sauvagii) is a freshwater fish of the family Mormyridae that grows up to 18 cm.
Fresh water of Central Africa, in the Congo basin, in calm, turbid rivers and creeks with soft bottoms.
Description
Sauvage's stonebreaker is a small African fish of the family Mormyridae (elephantfishes) reaching about 18 cm. Unlike many elephantfishes this species has no long snout but a blunt, round little head with large eyes and a small, terminal mouth. Like all elephantfishes it generates weak electric pulses with an organ in the tail; with them it orients in turbid water, recognises conspecifics and keeps contact in loose schools - 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 eats insect larvae, small zooplankton and worms. Elephantfishes have a proportionally very large brain mass.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Sauvage's stonebreaker?
The Sauvage's stonebreaker has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Small African elephantfish with a blunt, round head and large eyes; generates weak electric pulses to orient itself and to communicate.
Where does the Sauvage's stonebreaker live?
The Sauvage's stonebreaker lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of Central Africa, in the Congo basin, in calm, turbid rivers and creeks with soft bottoms.
How big does the Sauvage's stonebreaker get?
The Sauvage's stonebreaker grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.
Is the Sauvage's stonebreaker dangerous to humans?
No, the Sauvage's stonebreaker is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Sauvage's stonebreaker edible?
The Sauvage's stonebreaker is rarely eaten.
Want the complete picture on the Sauvage's stonebreaker?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sauvage's stonebreaker is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Petrocephalus
More from the family Mormyridae
Want the complete picture on the Sauvage's stonebreaker?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sauvage's stonebreaker is one of 12,519 species in the app.