Papermouth facts for kids
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The papermouth (Enteromius mattozi), also called the silverfish, is a type of ray-finned fish. It belongs to the genus Enteromius.
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About the Papermouth
The papermouth has a shiny, silver body. Its fins are orange. The fin on its back, called the dorsal fin, has a jagged edge. Its scales have special lines on them. This fish can grow up to 40 centimeters (about 16 inches) long. It can weigh up to 1.4 kilograms (about 3 pounds). Its mouth is at the very front of its head. It can also push its mouth forward.
Where They Live
Papermouth fish live in southern and central Africa. You can find them from the Congo Basin all the way south to the Limpopo River. They also live in Angola and the upper Zambezi River. These fish are also found in man-made lakes. This includes reservoirs and farm dams in southern Africa.
Papermouth Life and Habits
Papermouth fish live near the bottom of rivers and in the open water. They also travel within rivers. They like to live in the deeper, cooler parts of big rivers. You can often find them in artificial lakes too. Sometimes, people even put them into these lakes.
What They Eat
The papermouth is a hunter. When they are young, they eat tiny water creatures. They also eat small insects. As they grow older, they start to eat smaller fish. They will also eat seeds from water lilies. Sometimes, they munch on algae and other water plants.
Who Eats Them
Many animals hunt the papermouth. Birds, otters, and large catfish eat them. Even bigger papermouth fish will eat smaller ones.
Life Cycle and Reproduction
After the first summer rains, papermouth fish move upstream. They swim in the flooded rivers to lay their eggs. This is how they reproduce. Papermouth fish become adults when they are about three years old. The oldest papermouth ever recorded lived for 9 years.
Papermouth and People
The papermouth is a strong and active fish. This makes it a popular catch for people who like to fish. Both regular anglers and fly fishers enjoy trying to catch them. People also catch papermouth for food.
In some areas, there might be fewer papermouth fish than before. However, the IUCN says the species is of "Least Concern." This means they are not currently in danger. Still, the IUCN notes that pollution and too much fishing could be problems for them in the future.
About Their Name
The name Barbus mattozi was first used for fish found in the Cuanza River and Cunene River in Angola and Namibia. Fish found in the Limpopo River were called Barbus rapax. Scientists are still studying if the papermouth in the Zambezi River are the same species. Some experts think Enteromius mattozi and Enteromius rapax might be different species.
