Dorsal Band Whale
Dorsal Band Whale (Petrocephalus simus) is a smaller, rounded mormyrid with a distinctive dark band along the dorsal surface — a clean, graphic marking on a pale to silver-grey body. A relatively compact and manageable mormyrid size. Mormyrids are the remarkable African weakly electric fish of the family Mormyridae — a group with no counterpart in any other part of the world. Their electric organs, large cerebellum, and sophisticated electrosensory system make them among the most neurologically advanced freshwater fish.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Micro Pellets soaked and Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms make excellent staples — feed after lights dim as mormyrids are most active at night. Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp and Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Tubifex Worms as supplements. Target-feed to ensure the fish locates its food.
Provide a dimly lit aquarium with soft, tannin-stained water, abundant hiding spots, and soft substrate for probing. Mormyrids are sensitive to bright light and feel most secure in dim conditions with plenty of cover.
Note on weakly electric fish: Mormyrids generate a weak electric field used for navigation and communication. Keep only one species of weakly electric fish per tank — multiple electric fish interfere with each other's electrosensory system and cause significant stress. Keep singly or with peaceful non-electric fish. Compatible with medium-sized peaceful community fish that will not compete aggressively at feeding time.
Mormyrids are extraordinary fish for aquarists who appreciate unusual biology. Their electrosensory ability, large cerebellum, and nocturnal hunting make them some of the most neurologically fascinating fish available in the freshwater hobby.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Temperament | Peaceful — nocturnal specialist |
| Typical Adult Size | 8.0 inches (20 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | Singly — no other electric fish |
| Ideal Temp | 75–82°F (24–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Ideal GH | 2–15 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 1–8 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Micro Pellets; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Tubifex Worms |
| Origin | Congo basin and West Africa |
| Notes | Dark dorsal band on pale body. Compact size. Weakly electric. Nocturnal. |
