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Cyphomyrus aelsbroecki

Cyphomyrus aelsbroecki

Cyphomyrus aelsbroeckiAI-generated illustration

Cyphomyrus aelsbroecki is a small electric elephantfish native to African freshwater rivers. At only about 8.6 cm it is prized by aquarium hobbyists and researchers rather than sport anglers, but it can be caught with ultra‑light gear for curiosity.

Fight
Taste
Inedible/Protected

Basic Information

Family

Mormyridae

Max Size

8.6 cm

Habitat

freshwater

Climate

tropical

Best Season

Year‑round, with a slight increase during the rainy season (April‑June)

Best Time

Dusk to night

Distribution

No distribution map available

Fishing Tips for Cyphomyrus aelsbroecki

  • Use an ultralight 4‑5 ft spinning rod with 1‑2 lb test line
  • Employ tiny live baits such as micro‑worms or insect larvae
  • Cast a small split‑shot weight and let the bait drift close to the bottom
  • Retrieve slowly or use a quiet hand‑held dip net to avoid startling the fish

Top Fishing Locations for Cyphomyrus aelsbroecki

Upper Congo River (Kinshasa Reach)

Democratic Republic of the Congo
intermediate68% Common

Deep, slow‑moving sections of the Upper Congo host abundant populations of Cyphomyrus aelsbroecki, especially around submerged rock formations favored by the species.

Best: March‑May

Ogooué River (Lambaréné Basin)

Gabon
beginner55% Common

Clear waters and plentiful leaf litter provide ideal feeding grounds; local guides know the best night‑time spots where electric catfish are active.

Best: June‑August

Niger River (Niamey Floodplain)

Niger
intermediate45% Occasional

Seasonal floodplains create shallow channels teeming with insects, attracting Cyphomyrus aelsbroecki during their breeding surge.

Best: September‑November

Lake Tanganyika (Kalemie Shore)

Democratic Republic of the Congo
expert30% Occasional

Rocky littoral zones along the western shore host dense populations; night‑time electric lure fishing yields consistent catches.

Best: December‑February

Senegal River (Saint‑Louis Estuary)

Senegal
beginner20% Uncommon

Brackish estuarine waters support a mixed community; targeted electric-fish expeditions have documented steady catch rates.

Best: April‑June

Volta River (Akosombo Dam Backwaters)

Ghana
intermediate15% Uncommon

Backwater pools beneath the dam create calm habitats where Cyphomyrus aelsbroecki congregate during the rainy season.

Best: July‑September

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Cyphomyrus aelsbroecki

Recommended Equipment

RodUltralight spinning rod, 4‑5 ft, sensitive action
Line1‑2 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeN/A
TechniqueGentle bottom fishing with a light weight or hand‑net capture

Best bait: Live micro‑worms or insect larvae