Cyphomyrus psittacus (Boulenger, 1897)
Cyphomyrus psittacus
photo by Mertens, P.

Family:  Mormyridae (Elephantfishes)
Max. size:  30 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 190.0 g
Environment:  demersal; freshwater; pH range: 6.80000019073486 - 7.19999980926514; dH range: 8,
Distribution:  Africa: upper Niger, Bénoué River and Congo River basin (Ref. 3203), where it is widespread. Also in the basins of the Volta, Ouémé and Ogun.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 30-37; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 22-27. Dorsal fin origin before anal fin origin; length of dorsal base to anal base ratio 1.2-1.6. Back convex and hull shaped. LS/Depth ratio 2.9-3.8. Height of caudal peduncle 2.9-4.4 x of its length. The form of the back and the position of the dorsal and anal fins clearly distinguishes this species from others in the same geographic zone.
Biology:  Possesses electroreceptors over the entire head, on the ventral region (except abdominal area) and the dorsal region of the body, but absent from the side and the caudal peduncle where the electric organ is located (Ref. 10011). Found in large rivers. Edible fish (Ref. 11970).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 30 November 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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