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Bruce's elephantfish (Marcusenius brucii) — Mormyridae

Bruce's elephantfish

Marcusenius brucii
Family: Mormyridae

The Bruce's elephantfish (Marcusenius brucii) is a freshwater fish of the family Mormyridae that grows up to 33 cm.

Length
33 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Nigeria, Togo

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Description

Bruce's elephantfish is a weakly electric elephantfish (Mormyridae) from fresh water of West Africa. The species grows to about 33 cm and has an elongate, dark body with a small, downturned mouth and a short chin projection. With a weak electric organ it explores turbid water at night and keeps contact with conspecifics; the current cannot be felt by humans. It searches for worms, insect larvae and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bruce's elephantfish?

The Bruce's elephantfish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly black.

Where does the Bruce's elephantfish live?

The Bruce's elephantfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Africa: Nigeria, Togo

How big does the Bruce's elephantfish get?

The Bruce's elephantfish grows to a maximum of about 33 cm.

Is the Bruce's elephantfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Bruce's elephantfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Bruce's elephantfish sourced
Scientific name
Marcusenius brucii
Family
Mormyridae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
33 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Black sourced
Tail shape
Forked
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Africa: Nigeria, Togo sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates
Territorial
No
Reproduction
Separate sexes
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Marcusenius

More from the family Mormyridae

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