Fin's Fish Guide
The Wilverth's stonebasher (Hippopotamyrus wilverthi) is a freshwater fish of the family Mormyridae that grows up to 26 cm.
Description
Wilverth's stonebasher is an African elephantfish of the family Mormyridae from the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species grows to about 26 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 other 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 Wilverth's stonebasher?
The Wilverth's stonebasher has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Weak electric organ with a species-specific discharge pattern; bottom-dweller of the Congo basin.
Where does the Wilverth's stonebasher live?
The Wilverth's stonebasher lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Central Africa; rivers of the Congo basin.
How big does the Wilverth's stonebasher get?
The Wilverth's stonebasher grows to a maximum of about 26 cm.
Is the Wilverth's stonebasher dangerous to humans?
No, the Wilverth's stonebasher is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Wilverth's stonebasher edible?
The Wilverth's stonebasher is rarely eaten.
Want the complete picture on the Wilverth's stonebasher?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Wilverth's stonebasher is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Hippopotamyrus
More from the family Mormyridae
Want the complete picture on the Wilverth's stonebasher?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Wilverth's stonebasher is one of 12,519 species in the app.