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Clanwilliam rock catfish (Austroglanis gilli) — Austroglanididae

Clanwilliam rock catfish

Austroglanis gilli
VU · Vulnerable

The Clanwilliam rock catfish (Austroglanis gilli) is a freshwater fish of the family Austroglanididae that grows up to 14 cm.

Length
13.7 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Clanwilliam rock catfish is a small catfish (Austroglanididae) endemic to the Olifants River system in the Western Cape of South Africa. The species grows to about 14 cm and has a stocky, yellow-brown body with barbels and an adipose fin. As a bottom-dweller it lives among stones and gravel of clear mountain rivers and searches for insect larvae, small crustaceans and invertebrates. Through its limited range the species is vulnerable. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Clanwilliam rock catfish?

The Clanwilliam rock catfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Clanwilliam rock catfish live?

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

How big does the Clanwilliam rock catfish get?

The Clanwilliam rock catfish grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.

Is the Clanwilliam rock catfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Clanwilliam rock catfish is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Clanwilliam-rotsmeerval sourced
English name
Clanwilliam rock catfish sourced
Scientific name
Austroglanis gilli
Family
Austroglanididae
Other names
Clanwilliam rock-catfish; Clanwilliam Rock-catfish; Klip barbel; Rock-catfish; Rock barbel verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
13.7 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

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

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No 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
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Austroglanis

More from the family Austroglanididae

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