Mormyrus tapirus (Trunkfish)

Mormyrus tapirus

(Source: )

Scientific Name: Mormyrus tapirus

Common Name: Trunkfish

Genus: Mormyrus

Species: tapirus

Ijaw Name: Ogidi-Ekpa

Family: Mormyridae

Habitat: Rivers

Gear Type: Fishing Nets

Season of Occurrence: Rainy season

Description: The Mormyrus tapirus, commonly called the Elephant-snout Fish, is characterized by its elongated, tubular snout and slender body, reaching up to 43 cm in length. Its dorsal fin has 60-74 soft rays, while the anal fin has 21-29 rays. The snout, reminiscent of a trunk, is an adaptation for rooting in muddy substrates for invertebrates. Found in the freshwater systems of West and Central Africa, it prefers slow-moving rivers and coastal basins with soft sediment where it feeds on small invertebrates and organic matter.