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Skewtail suckermouth catfish (Chiloglanis asymetricaudalis) — Mochokidae

Skewtail suckermouth catfish

Chiloglanis asymetricaudalis
Family: Mochokidae
EN · Endangered

The Skewtail suckermouth catfish (Chiloglanis asymetricaudalis) is a freshwater fish of the family Mochokidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
7.6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Herbivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Can cause injury
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The Skewtail suckermouth catfish is a suckermouth squeaker (Mochokidae) from fast-flowing, clear fresh water of the Malagarasi drainage in East Africa. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a flattened body with a large, sucking lower lip with which it clings to rocks in strong current and rasps off algae, and short barbels. As a bottom-dweller it lives among stones and gravel of oxygen-rich mountain streams. The pectoral and dorsal spines can give a painful puncture wound when handled.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Skewtail suckermouth catfish?

The Skewtail suckermouth catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Skewtail suckermouth catfish live?

The Skewtail suckermouth catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Skewtail suckermouth catfish get?

The Skewtail suckermouth catfish grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Skewtail suckermouth catfish dangerous to humans?

The Skewtail suckermouth catfish can cause injury; handle it with care.

Is the Skewtail suckermouth catfish edible?

The Skewtail suckermouth catfish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Scheefstaart-zuigmeerval sourced
English name
Skewtail suckermouth catfish sourced
Scientific name
Chiloglanis asymetricaudalis
Family
Mochokidae
Other names
Longtail suckermouth sourced

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.6 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Herbivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups 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
Can cause injury verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Chiloglanis

More from the family Mochokidae

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