The air-breathing behaviour of Brevimyrus niger (Osteoglossomorpha, Mormyridae)

Authors: Moritz; Linsenmair1

Source: Journal of Fish Biology, Volume 71, Number 1, July 2007 , pp. 279-283(5)

Publisher: Blackwell Publishing

Abstract:

Brevimyrus niger is reported to breathe atmospheric air, confirming previous documentation of air breathing in this species. Air is taken up by rising to the water surface and gulping, or permanently resting just below the surface, depending on the environmental conditions.

Keywords: elephantfishes; Osteoglossomorpha; weakly electric fish

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8649.2007.01473.x

Affiliations: 1: Lehrstuhl für Tierökologie und Tropenbiologie, Theodor-Boveri-Institut, Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany

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