Fin's Fish Guide
The Bates's suckermouth catfish (Chiloglanis batesii) is a brackish-water fish of the family Mochokidae that grows up to 4 cm.
Description
Bates's suckermouth catfish is a tiny African catfish of the squeaker family (Mochokidae) from West-Central Africa. The species grows to only about 4 to 5 cm and has a flattened body with a downward-facing, sucker-like oral disc with fringed lips and barbels. With it it clings to stones in fast-flowing water and scrapes off algae and growth. It inhabits rapids and fast-flowing parts of rivers, also in slightly brackish water near the coast. As a bottom scraper it feeds on algae, periphyton and small invertebrates. Owing to its small size the species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bates's suckermouth catfish?
The Bates's suckermouth catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Sucker-like oral disc with fringed lips to attach to stones in rapids.
Where does the Bates's suckermouth catfish live?
The Bates's suckermouth catfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. West-Central Africa; rapids of coastal rivers.
How big does the Bates's suckermouth catfish get?
The Bates's suckermouth catfish grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.
Is the Bates's suckermouth catfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Bates's suckermouth catfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bates's suckermouth catfish edible?
The Bates's suckermouth catfish is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Chiloglanis
More from the family Mochokidae
Want the complete picture on the Bates's suckermouth catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bates's suckermouth catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.