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Ansorge's stonebasher (Petrocephalus ansorgii) — Mormyridae

Ansorge's stonebasher

Petrocephalus ansorgii
Family: Mormyridae

The Ansorge's stonebasher (Petrocephalus ansorgii) is a freshwater fish of the family Mormyridae that grows up to 14 cm.

Length
14.1 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Ansorge's stonebasher is a weakly electric elephantfish (Mormyridae) from fresh water of West Africa. The species grows to about 14 cm and has an elongate, dark body with a small, blunt head. 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 Ansorge's stonebasher?

The Ansorge's stonebasher has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly black.

Where does the Ansorge's stonebasher live?

The Ansorge's stonebasher lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Ansorge's stonebasher get?

The Ansorge's stonebasher grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.

Is the Ansorge's stonebasher dangerous to humans?

No, the Ansorge's stonebasher is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Ansorges olifantvis sourced
English name
Ansorge's stonebasher sourced
Scientific name
Petrocephalus ansorgii
Family
Mormyridae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
14.1 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Black sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Petrocephalus

More from the family Mormyridae

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