Petrocephalus Leo
📖 Overview
Petrocephalus Leo (Petrocephalus leo) is a ray-finned fish of the family Mormyridae. It inhabits freshwater waters. This species can reach a maximum total length of 7.9 cm. With a trophic level of 3.2, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 21 - 24; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 26 - 28. Diagnosis: Petrocephalus leo is distinguished from all other Petrocephalus species of central Africa by the following combination of characteristics: absence of electroreceptive rosettes on head, body colouration brownish with distinct black mark at the base of pectoral fin, but no subdorsal ovoid black mark; 21 to 24 branched dorsal-fin rays and 26 to 29 branched anal-fin rays . Absence of the three typical Petrocephalus electroreceptive rosettes on the head distinguish Petrocephalus leo from most of its congeners, except P. microphthalmus, P. haullevillii, P. schoutedeni and P. zakoni; but it can be easily distinguished from these species by its unique pattern of melanin markings: a distinct black spot at the origin of the pectoral fins but no subdorsal pigmentation mark . Petrocephalus leo can be further distinguished from P. zakoni by its slender body, body depth 2.9-3.4 times in standard length vs. 2.5-2.7 times in P. zakoni; its relatively shorter dorsal fin, dorsal fin length 4.4-5.0 times in standard length vs. 4.0-4.3 times; and its smaller eye, eye diameter 3.7-4.4 times in head length vs. 3.1-3.3 times . It can be further distinguished from P. microphthalmus, P. haullevillii and P. schoutedeni, by a higher dorsal-fin ray count, 21-24 vs. less than 20 in the other species . : fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Petrocephalus Leo is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Petrocephalus Leo is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Petrocephalus Leo is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic. Tropical Central African Republic (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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