Fin's Fish Guide
The Trunkfish (Hippopotamyrus pictus) is a freshwater fish of the family Mormyridae that grows up to 31 cm.
West Africa and the Sahelo-Sudanese basins; rivers of the Niger, Benue, Chad, Volta and the White Nile.
Description
The painted stonebasher is an African elephantfish of the family Mormyridae from West Africa and the Sahelo-Sudanese basins. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a streamlined, dark body with a blunt snout. Like other elephantfishes it generates weak electric fields to orient itself in turbid water, find prey and communicate with conspecifics; each species has its own discharge pattern. As a bottom dweller it feeds on insect larvae and small invertebrates. Elephantfishes are known for their relatively large brains. The species is eaten locally and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Trunkfish?
The Trunkfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Weak electric organ with a species-specific discharge pattern for orientation and communication.
Where does the Trunkfish live?
The Trunkfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. West Africa and the Sahelo-Sudanese basins; rivers of the Niger, Benue, Chad, Volta and the White Nile.
How big does the Trunkfish get?
The Trunkfish grows to a maximum of about 31 cm.
Is the Trunkfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Trunkfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Trunkfish edible?
The Trunkfish is rarely eaten.
Want the complete picture on the Trunkfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Trunkfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Hippopotamyrus
More from the family Mormyridae
Want the complete picture on the Trunkfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Trunkfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.