Mormyridae

A Dictionary of Zoology | 1999 | 547 words | Copyright

Mormyridae (elephant fish; superorder Osteoglossomorpha, order Mormyriformes) A fairly large family of freshwater fish, characterized in most species by the presence of an elongate, trunk-like snout. The eyes and mouth are small and the tail fin is forked; the size of the dorsal and anal fins is variable. Several species possess electric organs capable of emitting series of low-voltage discharges, perhaps as a means of finding the way in darkness, since mormyrids are basically nocturnal. There are about 100 species, found in tropical Africa.

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MICHAEL ALLABY. "Mormyridae." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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MICHAEL ALLABY. "Mormyridae." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-Mormyridae.html

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