The Monteiro's snoutfish (Marcusenius monteiri) is a freshwater fish of the family Mormyridae that grows up to 45 cm.
Description
Monteiro's snoutfish is a dark African fish of the family Mormyridae (elephantfishes) reaching about 45 cm. The stocky, brown-black body has a short snout with a fleshy chin appendage with which the fish searches the soft bottom for prey. Like all elephantfishes it generates weak electric pulses with an organ in the tail; with them it orients in turbid water, recognises conspecifics and communicates - a kind of 'electric language'. The species comes from West and Central Africa and lives in quiet, turbid rivers and creeks. Mainly at night it hunts insect larvae, worms and small crustaceans. Elephantfishes have a proportionally very large brain mass, linked to their electric sense.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Monteiro's snoutfish?
The Monteiro's snoutfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern.
Where does the Monteiro's snoutfish live?
The Monteiro's snoutfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.
How big does the Monteiro's snoutfish get?
The Monteiro's snoutfish grows to a maximum of about 45 cm.
Is the Monteiro's snoutfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Monteiro's snoutfish is harmless to humans.
Is the Monteiro's snoutfish edible?
The Monteiro's snoutfish is rarely eaten.
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Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
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Status & sources
Same genus Marcusenius
More from the family Mormyridae
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