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Volta suckermouth catfish (Chiloglanis voltae) — Mochokidae

Volta suckermouth catfish

Chiloglanis voltae
Family: Mochokidae

The Volta suckermouth catfish (Chiloglanis voltae) is a freshwater fish of the family Mochokidae that grows up to 3 cm.

Length
2.7 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Can cause injury

Description

The Volta suckermouth catfish is a suckermouth squeaker (Mochokidae) from fast-flowing, clear fresh water of the Volta drainage in West 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 Volta suckermouth catfish?

The Volta suckermouth catfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Volta suckermouth catfish live?

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

How big does the Volta suckermouth catfish get?

The Volta suckermouth catfish grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.

Is the Volta suckermouth catfish dangerous to humans?

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

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Volta-zuigmeerval sourced
English name
Volta suckermouth catfish sourced
Scientific name
Chiloglanis voltae
Family
Mochokidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
2.7 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

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

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. 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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