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Zambezi grunter (Parauchenoglanis ngamensis) — Claroteidae

Zambezi grunter

Parauchenoglanis ngamensis
Family: Claroteidae
LC · Least Concern

The Zambezi grunter (Parauchenoglanis ngamensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Claroteidae that grows up to 38 cm.

Length
38 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Rarely eaten

Description

Parauchenoglanis ngamensis is an African catfish (family Claroteidae) from southern and central Africa. The species grows to about 38 cm and has an elongate, brown body with dark blotches, barbels and sturdy pectoral and dorsal fin spines. It prefers rocky places or marginal vegetation in slow-flowing rivers and lagoons and often shelters under trees. Its diet consists of small fishes and invertebrates such as snails, shrimps and insects. The eggs are large. The species is of modest commercial value. The fin spines can cause painful injuries if handled carelessly.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Zambezi grunter?

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

Where does the Zambezi grunter live?

The Zambezi grunter lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Zambezi grunter get?

The Zambezi grunter grows to a maximum of about 38 cm.

Is the Zambezi grunter dangerous to humans?

No, the Zambezi grunter is harmless to humans.

Is the Zambezi grunter edible?

The Zambezi grunter is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zambezi-katvis sourced
English name
Zambezi grunter verified
Scientific name
Parauchenoglanis ngamensis
Family
Claroteidae
Other names
Zambezi grunter verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
38.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes 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
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas zoals worm of klein visje in langzaam stromende wateren. sourced
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 Parauchenoglanis

More from the family Claroteidae

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