Pi262 Gymnotus pedanopterus (Zebra Knifefish)

Pi262                    Gymnotus pedanopterus (Zebra Knifefish)

 

Phylum    : Chordata

Class       : Actinopterygii

Order      : Gymnotiformes

Family    : Gymnotidae

Genus     : Gymnotus

Species    : G. pedanopterus

 

 

Description

Habitats: Tends to inhabit sluggish or still waters, and seems to prefer turbid environments. It is also found in the deeper parts of main river channels, and in general is considered a benthic (bottom dwelling) species.

 

Distribution: Peru and Brazil

 

Morphology: The Zebra Knifefish is a smaller knife fish species, with 11 inches being the accepted maximum size. Its body is more rounded than flat. It has small scales and its mouth is turned upwards. It has no dorsal fin does have a extremely long and fin starting near the pectoral fin area. This fin can move in an undulating forward or backward motion. The color pattern is Zebra like dark and light clean edged bands extending along the entire length of the body.

 

The fish also has an electric organ which allows it to generate a very weak electric field around its body,. The field helps to identifying objects in the water gives it spatial orientation, helps it to navigate and helps to identify food. Males use an electric ‘stereotyped’ communication to court females.

 

IUCN status: Least Concern