Pollimyrus nigricans (Boulenger, 1906)
Dark stonebasher
photo by Denis Tweddle/SAIAB

Family:  Mormyridae (Elephantfishes)
Max. size:  10 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater, potamodromous
Distribution:  Africa: Lakes Victoria, Nabugabo and Kyoga, and the Kiruni River (Semliki Valley) (Ref. 4903), Malagarasi River (Ref. 54847, 98755), Rusizi River (Ref. 87863, 98755), Akagera system (Ref. 46152) and Lake Tanganyika (Ref. 36899).
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Favors the shallow mud bottom waters near fringing vegetation such as papyrus and Vossia (Ref. 9606). Feeds on aquatic insects, mainly chironomid larvae (Ref. 12526), on Caridina and caenid larvae (Ref. 9606), but also on algae and plankton (Ref. 36900). A male to female ratio of 1:10.5 has been noted for this species; it breeds continuously throughout the year with obvious peaks during the rains (Ref. 10608). Anadromous (Ref. 10608). Migrates up the rivers to spawn in temporary pools and streams (Ref. 4903, 10608). Oviparous (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 21 December 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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