In this quick tutorial you'll learn how to draw a Mongo in 9 easy steps - great for kids and novice artists.
The images above represent how your finished drawing is going to look and the steps involved.
Below are the individual steps - you can click on each one for a High Resolution printable PDF version.
At the bottom you can read some interesting facts about the Mongo.
Make sure you also check out any of the hundreds of drawing tutorials grouped by category.
How to Draw a Mongo - Step-by-Step Tutorial
Step 1: Let's start the Mongo fish by drawing the head first. Draw a round cone shape with a small open space at the top.
Step 2: Next add the eye by drawing two circles, one inside the other. Color the inner circle black. Then, add two curvy lines for the mouth.
Step 3: For the body, draw two long curved lines and connect them at the end. Make the lines closer together towards the end of the body, like in the picture. Mongos grow to be about 10cm long.
Step 4: For the tail, draw two curved lines going outward, and then close them off with another curved line. Add a few bumps on the long curve for detail.
Step 5: Add the upper fin by drawing two semi-circles along the back.
Step 6: Now, draw the bottom fin by drawing another half circle on the bottom of the Mongo.
Step 7: To add the middle fin, draw a long sideways 'V' shape.
Step 8: Draw lines inside the fins to make the patterns.
Step 9: Now add many small curved lines inside the body for the scale pattern. You can color the Mongo gray or green.
Interesting Facts about Mongos
Mongos are critically endangered fish in Africa. They are only found in Lake Barombi Mbo, in Cameroon, New Guinea. The lake is freshwater and in a tropical area. The longest an adult Mongo can reach is 10 centimeters. Mongos are considered a “cichlid” that is a type of fish that has teeth. Lots of fish in this category are fished for food or pets. Lake Barombi Mbo is near Kumba, a city in the southwest region of Cameroon. The fish is currently considered critically endangered.
Did you know?
- 15 species of fish have been recorded in Lake Barombi Mbo.
- It is illegal to commercially fish in Lake Barombi Mbo.
- Mongos are in danger of being poisoned in the lake due to CO2 releases.
- Mongos have some in common with classic fish pets like Angelfish, Oscars, and Discus.
- Lake Barombi Mbo is one of the oldest lakes in Africa, and it is a volcanic lake.
Activity: Draw a Mongo in a normal household fish bowl. Give the color sheet to each child and let them color it as they see fit. When done glue some colorful glitter, tissue paper, or even buttons to the “bottom” of the bowl to look like gravel.
How to Draw a Mongo – Step-By-Step Tutorial