Fin's Fish Guide
The Trunkfish (Marcusenius cyprinoides) is a freshwater fish of the family Mormyridae that grows up to 33 cm.
Africa; Nile, Niger and Chad basins and the upper reaches of the Congo; lakes, lagoons, reservoirs and canals.
Description
The cyprinoid stonebasher is an African elephantfish of the family Mormyridae. The species grows to about 33 cm and has a streamlined body with a blunt snout, superficially resembling a carp. It inhabits lakes, lagoons, reservoirs and irrigation canals and is a bottom-feeding insectivore. Like other elephantfishes it generates weak electric fields to orient itself and communicate, using several discharge patterns. It breeds during the flood season, moving onto the inundated floodplains to do so. The cyprinoid stonebasher 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 different discharge patterns; spawns on floodplains.
Where does the Trunkfish live?
The Trunkfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Africa; Nile, Niger and Chad basins and the upper reaches of the Congo; lakes, lagoons, reservoirs and canals.
How big does the Trunkfish get?
The Trunkfish grows to a maximum of about 33 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.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Marcusenius
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.