Mbielu-mbielu-mbielu ("the animal with planks growing out of its back") is a cryptozoological animal reportedly seen at the Likouala River, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
A complete description of the mbielu-mbielu-mbielu's appearance has never been completely agreed upon by cryptozoologists; however, has said to have green "planks" growing out of its back, leading some cryptozoologists to believe the cryptid represents an extant stegosaurid.
It has also been suggested to be similar to another cryptid in Africa, the nguma-monene. Some also suggest it may be mokele-mbembe, but the mokele-mbembe doesn't have "planks" growing out of its back.
Like another dinosaur-like cryptid, emela-ntouka, it has allegedly been spotted in the rivers and lakes of Likouala-Mossaka, the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The mbielu-mbielu-mbielu is usually submerged in the water, with only it's back showing, which is usually covered in (typically green) algal growths. It is mostly active in the afternoon.
The first sighting of mbielu-mbielu-mbielu was at an unknown date, occurring at a place called "Ikeikesse", which is near Epena, the Republic of the Congo.
American biologist, Roy P. Mackal, subscribed to the theory that mbielu-mbielu-mbielu was a giant monitor lizard. Although, Mackal also regarded the animal as an "enigma".
American anthropologist, Dale A. Drinnon, theorised that the creature could be a species of giant crocodilian with a serrated back.
In 1980, Odette Gesonget (a lady from Bouanila, the Republic of the Congo) selected an image of a Stegosaurus from books, provided by Mackal himself, as the description of the mbielu-mbielu-mbielu. However, she also disclosed that she had never actually seen the creature to begin with.
Mackal also cites anecdotal evidence that there were cave paintings of "elephant-like creatures with stegosaurus-like backs".