Elephant-snout fish
📖 Overview
Solitary, nocturnal species . In Lake Victoria in both coastal and offshore waters . May spawn in the main lake, perhaps in deep water over rocks . In Lake Kyoga in open water rather than weedy areas . Bottom feeder; small fishes eat lithophilic insects; adults almost exclusively insectivorous; chironomids dominate in the diet . Oviparous .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 55 - 75; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 17 - 22. Diagnosis: snout long, about equal to the post-ocular length of the head , produced into a stout trunk whose thickness and angle to the face are variable . Dorsal fin very long, more than twice the anal fin length, with less than 75 rays, its origin above or slightly in front of the insertion of the pelvic fins . : fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Elephant-snout fish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Elephant-snout fish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Elephant-snout fish is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; demersal; depth range 0 - 70 m , usually 0 - 50 m . Tropical; 22°C - 26°C known from Lower Nile up to Lake Victoria basin (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Elephant-snout fish is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Elephant-snout fish is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Elephant-snout fish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mormyrus bachiqua | Valenciennes | 1847 | Synonym |
| Mormyrus nacra | Valenciennes | 1847 | Synonym |
| Mormyrus oxyrhynchus | Lacepède | 1803 | Synonym |
| Mormyrys nacra | Valenciennes | 1847 | Synonym |
| Murmyrous kannume | Forsskål | 1775 | Synonym |
| Scophicephalus kannume | Rüppell | 1852 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 34 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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