Marcusenius Pongolensis
📖 Overview
During the day Marcusenius pongolensis is often encountered below undercut river banks, especially in dense network of tree roots; places where there is a countercurrent seem to be especially attractive; in Swaziland it has been observed high up in river systems with rapid water flow and rocky substrate in Swaziland .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 20 - 23; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 26 - 28; Vertebrae: 42 - 43. Diagnosis: Marcusenius pongolensis can be distinguished from its congeners by the following characters: a more slender body, elongated, smaller body depth, 19.1-26.0% of standard length; distance from dorsal fin origin to end of caudal peduncle 37.1-39.8% of standard length; distance from anal fin origin to end of caudal peduncle 40.8-42.2% of standard length; and length of anal fin 19.5-21.9% of standard length; all shorter and non-overlapping with Marcusenius krameri, M. caudisquamatus and M. lucombesi . Total vertebrae ranges between 42-43 vs. 44 in other species; posterior total gill rakers 13-14 vs. 15 and 17 in M. caudisquamatus and M. krameri, respectively; lateral line scales 70-73; scales around caudal peduncle 16-17; dorsal fin rays 20-23; anal fin rays 26-28 . Electric organ discharge (EOD) lacking a weak head-negative pre-potential, in females and juveniles Ndur of short duration, no striking sexual dimorphism in EOD waveform present, but longer EOD duration and statistically significant increase with standard length in males . : elongated; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Marcusenius Pongolensis is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Marcusenius Pongolensis is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Marcusenius Pongolensis is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; demersal. Tropical north and the Kosi River system in the south, including the Pongolo River which is the type river (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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