mormyrid

mormyrid, any of several species of slimy freshwater African fishes that comprise the family Mormyridae (order Mormyriformes). They are usually found in sluggish, muddy water. Mormyrids are soft-rayed bony fishes with abdominal pelvic fins, forked tail fins, small mouths and eyes, restricted gill openings, and small scales. They range from 9 to 50 cm (3.5 to about 20 inches) in length. Their brains are proportionately very large, comparable to that of humans in relation to body weight; enlarged areas of the brain indicate well-developed senses. A loosely attached bony plate on each side of the head covers a vesicle that communicates with the internal ear. Paired electric organs of mild power, present in the tail, set up a continuous electric field around the fish, acting as a sensory screen. Most mormyrids feed on small prey, aquatic vegetation, or organic debris.

More than 100 species of unusual appearance are placed in about 11 genera. The elephant-snout fishes, species of Gnathonemus, have the mouth at the end of a long, trunklike snout. Other mormyrids have narrow heads, protruding lower lips, or short, rounded snouts. The Nile species of Mormyrus are represented in ancient Egyptian mural paintings and hieroglyphics.