Hingemouth (Phractolaemus ansorgii)

Fish in the family Phractolaemidae. Hard care. Freshwater.

Quick facts

Scientific namePhractolaemus ansorgii

FamilyPhractolaemidae

Also known asAfrican Mudfish, Snake Mudhead

Care levelHard

Reef safetyFreshwater

TemperamentPeaceful

DietOmnivore

Adult size6 in

Minimum tank size40 gallons

Water parametersTemp 75-82°F, pH 6.0-7.5, GH 3-12 dGH

Appearance

Cylindrical brown body with a small head, large scales, and a remarkable tube-like protrusible mouth that extends downward to vacuum the substrate.

Difficulty and care for the Hingemouth

Hard

Origin and habitat

West and Central Africa

Keeper notes

A peaceful, rarely seen oddball with a unique protrusible 'hinged' mouth used to graze detritus; harmless to tankmates. Air-breather that gulps at the surface. Can jump if startled.

Log Hingemouth in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Hingemouth alongside everything else in your reef.

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