Malapterus

Malapterus is a genus of electric catfish, belonging to the family Malapteruridae. These fish are found in freshwater habitats across Africa, with some species even inhabiting brackish waters. They are characterized by their ability to generate powerful electric discharges, which they use for defense, hunting, and communication.

Wrasse, Old Lady – Malapterus reticulatus

Common Names

The most common names for Malapterus species include electric catfish, electric eel (although they are not true eels), and thunderfish. These names reflect their distinctive electric discharge capabilities.

Characteristics

Malapterus species possess a number of characteristics that distinguish them from other catfish species:

  • Electric organ: They have a specialized electric organ located along their body, which is responsible for generating strong electric discharges.
  • Elongated body: Their bodies are typically elongated and somewhat compressed, allowing them to navigate through dense vegetation and confined spaces.
  • Small eyes: Malapterus fish have small, underdeveloped eyes, which reflects their reliance on their electroreceptive senses.
  • Barbels: They possess four pairs of barbels, which are sensory organs used to detect prey and navigate their surroundings.
  • Lack of dorsal fin: Unlike most catfish, they lack a dorsal fin, further contributing to their streamlined shape.

Environments

Malapterus species are primarily found in rivers, lakes, and swamps throughout Africa. They inhabit a wide range of environments, including:

  • Freshwater: They are most commonly found in freshwater habitats, particularly in slow-moving or stagnant waters.
  • Brackish water: Some species are known to tolerate brackish water conditions, extending their range into areas where freshwater meets saltwater.
  • Dense vegetation: They are often found among dense vegetation, where they can ambush prey and avoid predators.
  • Bottom dwelling: Malapterus are bottom-dwelling fish, spending most of their time near the river or lakebed.

References

  • Froese, Rainer, and Pauly, Daniel (eds.). 2023. Malapterus. FishBase. Accessed: 2023-03-29, https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Malapterus.html
  • The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2023. Malapterus. Accessed: 2023-03-29, https://www.iucnredlist.org/search?query=Malapterus