Fin's Fish Guide
The Weeks's elephantfish (Hippopotamyrus weeksii) is a fish of the family Mormyridae that grows up to 20 cm.
Description
Weeks's elephantfish is an African weakly electric fish of the family Mormyridae from the Congo basin. The species has an elongate, 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, which it uses to navigate in turbid water, locate prey and communicate with conspecifics; subtle differences in the electric pulses help species recognise one another. It searches the bottom for insect larvae and small invertebrates. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Weeks's elephantfish?
The Weeks's elephantfish is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Weakly electric elephantfish of the Congo basin; recognises conspecifics by electric pulses.
Where does the Weeks's elephantfish live?
The Weeks's elephantfish is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Congo basin in Central Africa; rivers and streams.
How big does the Weeks's elephantfish get?
The Weeks's elephantfish grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Weeks's elephantfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Weeks's elephantfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Weeks's elephantfish edible?
The Weeks's elephantfish is rarely eaten.
Want the complete picture on the Weeks's elephantfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Weeks's elephantfish 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 Weeks's elephantfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Weeks's elephantfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.