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Baby Whale Fish (Brienomyrus brachyistius) 7-9cm - Aquarium Glaser

$4999 CAD
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SKU: 49031161050494

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Baby Whale Fish (Brienomyrus brachyistius) 7-9cm - Aquarium Glaser

Description

Brienomyrus brachyistius is a species of African weakly electric fish in the family Mormyridae (elephantfishes). 

Taxonomy & Common Names

  • Scientific name: Brienomyrus brachyistius (Gill, 1862)
  • Family: Mormyridae
  • Order: Osteoglossiformes
  • Common names: Baby whale fish, baby whale mormyrid 

Identification & Physical Description

  • Medium‑small, laterally compressed fish with a fusiform (streamlined) body
  • Coloration: dark grey‑black to brown, usually uniform with no strong markings
  • Fins:
    • Dorsal fin short (14–19 rays)
    • Anal fin long (25–31 rays), a key identifying feature
  • Head: short, rounded snout; small mouth; no chin appendage
  • Maximum size: up to ~20 cm total length, though most adults are smaller (10–15 cm) 

Distribution & Habitat

  • Geographic range: Coastal and inland river systems of West and Central Africa, from Gambia to the Democratic Republic of the Congo; possibly upper Senegal River 
  • Habitat:
    • Freshwater and occasionally brackish systems
    • Slow‑moving rivers, floodplains, and vegetated margins
    • Benthopelagic (associated with the lower water column)

Electric Organ & Behavior

Like all mormyrids, B. brachyistius possesses a weak electric organ in the tail:

  • Produces species‑specific electric organ discharges (EODs) used for:
    • Navigation (electrolocation)
    • Social communication
  • Exhibits sexual dimorphism in EOD waveform and duration
  • Populations show distinct EOD patterns, suggesting possible cryptic species within what is currently recognized as B. brachyistius 

This species is a model organism in neurobiology, especially in studies of sensory processing and electric communication. 

Ecology & Diet

  • Feeding: Small aquatic invertebrates (insect larvae, worms, micro‑crustaceans) detected using electrolocation
  • Activity pattern: Crepuscular to nocturnal
  • Generally peaceful, both in the wild and in captivity 

Reproduction

  • Spawning occurs at night; laboratory observations show:
    • Repeated spawning bouts over 10–15 minutes
    • Eggs deposited among structure or near partitions
  • Wild reproductive biology remains poorly documented 

 

Specifications
  • Category
    Ornamental Fish
  • Habitat Preference
    Sandy Tanks, Planted Tanks, Hiding Spots
  • Behaviour
    Bottom-Dwelling

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Aquarium Glaser

Baby Whale Fish (Brienomyrus brachyistius) 7-9cm - Aquarium Glaser

$4999 CAD

Brienomyrus brachyistius is a species of African weakly electric fish in the family Mormyridae (elephantfishes). 

Taxonomy & Common Names

  • Scientific name: Brienomyrus brachyistius (Gill, 1862)
  • Family: Mormyridae
  • Order: Osteoglossiformes
  • Common names: Baby whale fish, baby whale mormyrid 

Identification & Physical Description

  • Medium‑small, laterally compressed fish with a fusiform (streamlined) body
  • Coloration: dark grey‑black to brown, usually uniform with no strong markings
  • Fins:
    • Dorsal fin short (14–19 rays)
    • Anal fin long (25–31 rays), a key identifying feature
  • Head: short, rounded snout; small mouth; no chin appendage
  • Maximum size: up to ~20 cm total length, though most adults are smaller (10–15 cm) 

Distribution & Habitat

  • Geographic range: Coastal and inland river systems of West and Central Africa, from Gambia to the Democratic Republic of the Congo; possibly upper Senegal River 
  • Habitat:
    • Freshwater and occasionally brackish systems
    • Slow‑moving rivers, floodplains, and vegetated margins
    • Benthopelagic (associated with the lower water column)

Electric Organ & Behavior

Like all mormyrids, B. brachyistius possesses a weak electric organ in the tail:

  • Produces species‑specific electric organ discharges (EODs) used for:
    • Navigation (electrolocation)
    • Social communication
  • Exhibits sexual dimorphism in EOD waveform and duration
  • Populations show distinct EOD patterns, suggesting possible cryptic species within what is currently recognized as B. brachyistius 

This species is a model organism in neurobiology, especially in studies of sensory processing and electric communication. 

Ecology & Diet

  • Feeding: Small aquatic invertebrates (insect larvae, worms, micro‑crustaceans) detected using electrolocation
  • Activity pattern: Crepuscular to nocturnal
  • Generally peaceful, both in the wild and in captivity 

Reproduction

  • Spawning occurs at night; laboratory observations show:
    • Repeated spawning bouts over 10–15 minutes
    • Eggs deposited among structure or near partitions
  • Wild reproductive biology remains poorly documented 

 


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