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Cassai elephantfish (Campylomormyrus cassaicus) — Mormyridae

Cassai elephantfish

Campylomormyrus cassaicus
Family: Mormyridae

The Cassai elephantfish (Campylomormyrus cassaicus) is a freshwater fish of the family Mormyridae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
20 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Angola, Congo Dem Rp

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Description

The Cassai elephantfish is a weakly electric elephantfish (Mormyridae) from fresh water of the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species grows to about 20 cm and has an elongate, dark-grey body with a long, downward-curved, tubular snout with which it probes the bottom for prey. With a weak electric organ in the tail it explores turbid water and communicates with conspecifics; the current cannot be felt by humans. It searches for insect larvae and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Cassai elephantfish?

The Cassai elephantfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Cassai elephantfish live?

The Cassai elephantfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Africa: Angola, Congo Dem Rp

How big does the Cassai elephantfish get?

The Cassai elephantfish grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Cassai elephantfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Cassai 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
Cassai elephantfish sourced
Scientific name
Campylomormyrus cassaicus
Family
Mormyridae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
20 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Africa: Angola, Congo Dem Rp 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 Campylomormyrus

More from the family Mormyridae

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