Malapterurus electricus

(Gmelin, 1789)

Vernacular names
English : African electric catfish
French : Silure électrique d’Afrique

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Siluriformes
Family : Malapteruridae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Cylindrical body, large head with very small eyes, protruding mouth and six straight barbels. Coloration usually dull brown with scattered black spots. Fins with red tinge and more spotting.

Range and habitat
Africa, in the Nile and Niger system, Lake Chad and Senegal basins, Lake Turkana. Found in sluggish or standing water, usually amongst rocks and roots. Lives in

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species has a wide range and can be locally common. It is caught for trade in low numbers. No threats are known at this time.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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