Fin's Fish Guide
The Schouteden's stonebasher (Petrocephalus schoutedeni) is a freshwater fish of the family Mormyridae that grows up to 6 cm.
Description
Schouteden's stonebasher is a small African elephantfish of the family Mormyridae from the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a stocky, silvery-grey body with a blunt, rounded head lacking the long snout of many relatives. Like other elephantfishes it generates weak electric fields to orient itself in turbid water, find prey and communicate with conspecifics. As a bottom dweller it feeds on insect larvae and small invertebrates. Owing to its small size the species is of limited fishery interest and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Schouteden's stonebasher?
The Schouteden's stonebasher has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Blunt, round head and weak electric organ for orientation and communication.
Where does the Schouteden's stonebasher live?
The Schouteden's stonebasher lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Central Africa; rivers of the Congo basin.
How big does the Schouteden's stonebasher get?
The Schouteden's stonebasher grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.
Is the Schouteden's stonebasher dangerous to humans?
No, the Schouteden's stonebasher is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Schouteden's stonebasher edible?
The Schouteden's stonebasher is rarely eaten.
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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 Schouteden's stonebasher?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Schouteden's stonebasher is one of 12,519 species in the app.