Fin's Fish Guide
The Snoutfish (Paramormyrops sphekodes) is a freshwater fish of the family Mormyridae that grows up to 11 cm.
Fresh water of Central Africa, in the Congo basin, in calm, turbid rivers and creeks with soft bottoms.
Description
The Congo snoutfish is a dark African fish of the family Mormyridae (elephantfishes) reaching about 11 cm. The stocky, brown-black body has a short, downturned snout 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.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Snoutfish?
The Snoutfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Dark African elephantfish with a short, downward-pointing snout; generates weak electric pulses to orientate and communicate.
Where does the Snoutfish live?
The Snoutfish 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 Snoutfish get?
The Snoutfish grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.
Is the Snoutfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Snoutfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Snoutfish edible?
The Snoutfish is rarely eaten.
Want the complete picture on the Snoutfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Snoutfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Paramormyrops
More from the family Mormyridae
Want the complete picture on the Snoutfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Snoutfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.