Gnathonemus petersii (Günther, 1862)
Size:
Maximum size: 350 mm SL.
Habitat:
small to large rivers
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Mormyridae
Gnathonemus petersii (Günther 1862)
EOL Text
General Description:
Body is moderately deep, about 25-28% SL, with the greatest depth slightly anterior to the origin of the anal fin. The length of the head 20-25% SL, its depth, 66-75% of its length. Dorsal profile convex, descending in a straight line toward the head. Snout, 40% HL. Lower jaw with a cylindrical to tapering dermal appendix which is as long or longer than the snout; teeth small, notched, 3-5 in upper 5-6 in lower. Mouth small and terminal. Nostrils close together, about one eye diameter anterior to forward margin of eye. Eye, small, its diameter about 12% of length of head. Dorsal fin base length about 20-21% SL, with 27-29 rays. Dorsal fin originates above the 10th anal ray. Anal fin base about 27-28 % SL with 34-36 rays. Predorsal distance about 62 % SL; pre-anal distance about 56% SL. Caudal peduncle length about 3.3 times its depth, about 17% SL. 8 circumpeduncular scales. Scales along the lateral line, 63-70. Caudal fin covered with scales, deeply forked. Coloration: black brown with two distinct bands in the shape of parentheses “()” running from origin of dorsal to the origin of the anal fins. The light color of these bands fades in larger specimens.
This is the best-known species of mormyrid due to its popularity in the international aquarium fish trade where it is known as the "elephantnose fish."
| License | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ |
| Rights holder/Author | Sullivan, John P., Sullivan, John P., Hopkins, Carl D., Africhthy |
| Source | http://mormyrids.lifedesks.org/pages/2063 |
Sporozoa Infection (Hennegya sp.). Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)
| License | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/ |
| Rights holder/Author | Allan Palacio, FishBase |
| Source | http://www.fishbase.org/Diseases/diseasesList.cfm?ID=2085&StockCode=2280 |
Range Description:
This species is known from Nigeria to Central African Republic, and south to Angola and Zambia
Central Africa: Gnathonemus petersii is known from throughout the Congo River basin. In the Lower Guinea region, it is known from the Cross Mungo, Wouri, Lokoundjé, and Lower Sanaga Rivers.
Western Africa: It is found in the Lower Niger, Ogun, Cross basin and This species is known from upper Chari basin.
| License | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ |
| Rights holder/Author | © International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources |
| Source | http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/181553 |
Nematode Infection (general). Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)
| License | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/ |
| Rights holder/Author | Allan Palacio, FishBase |
| Source | http://www.fishbase.org/Diseases/diseasesList.cfm?ID=2085&StockCode=2280 |
Africa: Niger to Congo River basins (Ref. 3203).
| License | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/ |
| Rights holder/Author | Susan M. Luna, FishBase |
| Source | http://www.fishbase.org/summary/SpeciesSummary.php?id=2085 |
Dactylogyrus Gill Flukes Disease. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)
| License | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/ |
| Rights holder/Author | Allan Palacio, FishBase |
| Source | http://www.fishbase.org/Diseases/diseasesList.cfm?ID=2085&StockCode=2280 |
Distribution:
Among the most widespread mormyrid species. Such a large distribution suggests revisionary work may uncover multiple species. In Lower Guinea found in the Cross, Mungo, Wouri, Lokoundjé, and Lower Sanaga Rivers. Elsewhere widely distributed throughout central Africa from the Niger Delta to the Congo River basin. The holotype is from Old Calabar, at the mouth of the Calabar and Cross Rivers. See FishBase for museum records and localities.
| License | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ |
| Rights holder/Author | Sullivan, John P., Sullivan, John P., Hopkins, Carl D., Africhthy |
| Source | http://mormyrids.lifedesks.org/pages/2063 |
Bacterial Infections (general). Bacterial diseases
| License | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/ |
| Rights holder/Author | Allan Palacio, FishBase |
| Source | http://www.fishbase.org/Diseases/diseasesList.cfm?ID=2085&StockCode=2280 |
Western and central Africa.
Aeromonosis. Bacterial diseases
| License | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/ |
| Rights holder/Author | Allan Palacio, FishBase |
| Source | http://www.fishbase.org/Diseases/diseasesList.cfm?ID=2085&StockCode=2280 |