Petrocephalus petersi Kramer, Bills, Skelton & Wink, 2012

Family:  Mormyridae (Elephantfishes)
Max. size:  7.3 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater
Distribution:  Africa: Zambezi River Delta and Melela River (Ref. 91771).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 18-20; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 25-26. Diagnosis: Body depth 28.7-32.3% of standard length; predorsal length 62.3-65.8% of standard length; preanal length 59.5-63.7% of standard length; length of snout to centre of eye 34.5-38.3% of head length; length of snout to posterior orbital rim of eye 44.2-47.9% of head length; number of scales around caudal peduncle 12-16 (Ref. 91771). Description: Body round-oval shape; head broadly rounded with a small ventrally positioned subterminal mouth, situated ventral to the eye; head and body dorsolaterally compressed (Ref. 91771). Dorsal fin origin situated about two-thirds of standard length from snout, obliquely orientated, anteriorly higher and posteriorly lower, distal margin crescentic with anterior two or three rays longer than posterior rays, 18-20 dorsal fin rays (Ref. 91771). Anal fin longer than dorsal fin, opposite dorsal fin with slightly more anterior origin, obliquely orientated, anteriorly lower and posteriorly higher, anterior 10 or so rays longer than posterior ones, especially in males where they also appear stronger, margin broadly rounded, rays posterior to first 10 with distal margin straight, 25-26 anal fin rays (Ref. 91771). Scales cycloid with reticulate striae, scales extending anteriorly to operculum and pectoral fins; scales on caudal peduncle circumference, 12-16 (Ref. 91771). Caudal peduncle slender, subcylindrical entire length, usually 18.5-20.8% of standard length (Ref. 91771). Colour: In preservation it is light beige (Ref. 91771).
Biology:  Habitat of type locality is a medium-sized stream, sand substrate with lots of leaf litter and marginal grass; prefers freshwater (<1% salinity) (Ref. 91771).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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