Fin's Fish Guide
The Stappers's elephantfish (Pollimyrus stappersii) is a freshwater fish of the family Mormyridae that grows up to 7 cm.
Description
Stappers's elephantfish is an African weakly electric fish of the family Mormyridae from the upper Congo basin in Central Africa (including the Mweru-Luapula region). The species is small and has a stocky, dark body with the dorsal and anal fins set far back, characteristic of this family. Like all elephantfishes it generates a weak electric field with an organ in the tail base to navigate in turbid water, locate prey and communicate with conspecifics. It searches the bottom for insect larvae and small invertebrates. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Stappers's elephantfish?
The Stappers's elephantfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Weakly electric elephantfish of the Congo basin and Lake Tanganyika.
Where does the Stappers's elephantfish live?
The Stappers's elephantfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Upper Congo basin in Central Africa; rivers and lakes.
How big does the Stappers's elephantfish get?
The Stappers's elephantfish grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.
Is the Stappers's elephantfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Stappers's elephantfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Stappers's elephantfish edible?
The Stappers's elephantfish is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Pollimyrus
More from the family Mormyridae
Want the complete picture on the Stappers's elephantfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Stappers's elephantfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.