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Long-nosed mountain catfish (Amphilius longirostris) — Amphiliidae

Long-nosed mountain catfish

Amphilius longirostris
Family: Amphiliidae
LC · Least Concern

The Long-nosed mountain catfish (Amphilius longirostris) is a freshwater fish of the family Amphiliidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8.2 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

Amphilius longirostris is a small African catfish of the family Amphiliidae (loach catfishes) from fresh water in West and Central Africa. The species has an elongate, brown mottled body with barbels and reaches about 8 cm. It is adapted to fast-flowing, rocky streams and mountain brooks, where it stays on the bottom among stones. The diet consists of insect larvae and other small invertebrates. Unlike many catfishes this species lacks strong, serrated fin spines and is harmless to handle. Little detailed information is available on its precise reproduction.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Long-nosed mountain catfish?

The Long-nosed mountain catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Long-nosed mountain catfish live?

The Long-nosed mountain catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Long-nosed mountain catfish get?

The Long-nosed mountain catfish grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Long-nosed mountain catfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Long-nosed mountain catfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Long-nosed mountain catfish edible?

The Long-nosed mountain catfish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Langsnuit-bergmeerval sourced
English name
Long-nosed mountain catfish sourced
Scientific name
Amphilius longirostris
Family
Amphiliidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.2 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Marbled inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Amphilius

More from the family Amphiliidae

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