The Sickle-snouted mormyrid (Mormyrops zanclirostris) is a freshwater fish of the family Mormyridae that grows up to 27 cm.
Description
The sickle-snouted mormyrid is an elongate African fish of the family Mormyridae (elephantfishes) reaching about 27 cm. The brown-black body has a strikingly curved, sickle-shaped snout with an inferior mouth, with which the fish probes the soft bottom and crevices 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 hunts - a kind of 'electric language'. The species comes from the Congo basin and surroundings in Central and West Africa and lives in quiet, turbid rivers and creeks. Mainly at night it hunts insect larvae, worms, crustaceans and small fish. Elephantfishes have a proportionally very large brain mass.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Sickle-snouted mormyrid?
The Sickle-snouted mormyrid has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern.
Where does the Sickle-snouted mormyrid live?
The Sickle-snouted mormyrid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.
How big does the Sickle-snouted mormyrid get?
The Sickle-snouted mormyrid grows to a maximum of about 27 cm.
Is the Sickle-snouted mormyrid dangerous to humans?
No, the Sickle-snouted mormyrid is harmless to humans.
Is the Sickle-snouted mormyrid edible?
The Sickle-snouted mormyrid is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Mormyrops
More from the family Mormyridae
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