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Suckermouth catfish (Chiloglanis micropogon) — Mochokidae

Suckermouth catfish

Chiloglanis micropogon
Family: Mochokidae

The Suckermouth catfish (Chiloglanis micropogon) is a freshwater fish of the family Mochokidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
4.9 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The suckermouth catfish is a small squeaker catfish (Mochokidae) from the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species has a stocky, flattened body and a conspicuous sucker disc around the mouth, formed by the lips and short barbels, with which it clings to stones in fast-flowing water. It lives bottom-bound in rapids and rasps growth, diatoms and small invertebrates from the surface of stones. The stout fin spines can give a puncture wound when handled.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Suckermouth catfish?

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

Where does the Suckermouth catfish live?

The Suckermouth catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Suckermouth catfish get?

The Suckermouth catfish grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Suckermouth catfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Suckermouth catfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Suckermouth catfish edible?

The Suckermouth catfish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Kleinbaard-zuigmeerval sourced
English name
Suckermouth catfish sourced
Scientific name
Chiloglanis micropogon
Family
Mochokidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore 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
Harmless sourced

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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