mormyrus

[Gr. mormyros =a kind of seafish mentioned by Aristotle.] Ichthy . The typical genus of the family Mormyride (q.v.). There are two sub-genera, Mormyrops and Hyperopisus; and fifty-one species are known, of which eleven are found in the Nile. Some attain a length of from three to four feet; others remain small. The flesh is said to be excellent eating. Mormyrus oxyrhynchus was esteemed by the ancient Egyptians in emblematic ( Juvenal , inscriptions. xv. 7), and On each frequently side the occurs tail in this genus there is an oblong capsule, with numerous compartments, and containing a gelati evidently represents a transitional condition from nous substance. It has no electric functions, but muscular substance to an electric organ. The extent of the dorsal and anal fins varies greatly; in some species the snout is short and obtuse, in others long and decurved, with or without appendage.