Cyphomyrus aelsbroecki
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.
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
No distribution map available
Upper Congo River (Kinshasa Reach)
Democratic Republic of the CongoDeep, 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)
GabonClear 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)
NigerSeasonal 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 CongoRocky 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)
SenegalBrackish estuarine waters support a mixed community; targeted electric-fish expeditions have documented steady catch rates.
Best: April‑June
Volta River (Akosombo Dam Backwaters)
GhanaBackwater pools beneath the dam create calm habitats where Cyphomyrus aelsbroecki congregate during the rainy season.
Best: July‑September
Best bait: Live micro‑worms or insect larvae