Description

Common Names

No common names available.

Taxonomic Hierarchy

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Teleostei

Order: Osteoglossiformes

Family: Mormyridae

Genus: Gnathonemus

Species: Gnathonemus longibarbis (Hilgendorf, 1888)

Climate Zone

Location

Biology

In Lake Kyoga abundant among or near water lilies (Ref. 49805) and in Lake Victoria it occurs in shallow, inshore waters over sandy and rocky shores (Ref. 4903, 97924), seasonally over muddy bottoms adjacent to papyrus swamps or deep water near rocky islands (Ref. 9606, 97924). Feeds on bottom and in marginal vegetation; insectivorous (chironomid larvae, Povilla, Odonata larvae), but arthropods, oligochaetes and fish eggs are also eaten (Ref. 12526). Uses sensitive pointed addition to chin for testing holes in mud, papyrus roots and between stones to locate underwater insects (Ref. 36900). Rotates body to almost vertical position, searches substrate and grabs prey into mouth; produces weak electric organ discharge for navigation and to warn off other organisms (Ref. 97924). Oviparous (Ref. 205). Breeds twice a year during the rainy seasons, and migrates up rivers to spawn (Ref. 10608).

Habitat

demersal