Pollimyrus Adspersus

Pollimyrus adspersus is a smaller, more approachable Mormyrid compared to many of its relatives, reaching about 15 cm with a rounded snout and attractive spotted patterning distributed across a brownish body. It inhabits slow-moving, vegetated rivers and swamps across West Africa, relying on its electric organ discharge to locate invertebrate prey at night.

In the aquarium, Pollimyrus adspersus benefits from a dedicated setup with fine sand, low lighting, and hiding spots made from rocks, caves, or PVC. While it is generally less aggressive toward conspecifics than some Mormyrids, it is still advisable to keep only one per tank unless the aquarium is very large with clearly divided territories.

This species adapts reasonably well to frozen invertebrate foods such as bloodworm, daphnia, and small tubifex, with feeding sessions best conducted after lights dim in the evening. Its smaller size and more tolerant disposition make it a good starting point for aquarists new to Mormyrid keeping.

Water: Soft to moderately hard, pH 6.0–7.5, temperature 22–27°C, GH 2–12, KH 1–6. Tank: Minimum 150 L with fine sand, dim lighting, caves and driftwood for shelter. Feeding: Carnivore; frozen bloodworm, daphnia, tubifex, and sinking carnivore pellets at night. Breeding: Not reliably achieved in home aquaria; electric interference between individuals complicates group keeping. Compatibility: Peaceful with non-Mormyrid African species; best kept alone or in a very large tank.