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Slender catfish (Belonoglanis tenuis) — Amphiliidae

Slender catfish

Belonoglanis tenuis
Family: Amphiliidae
LC · Least Concern

The Slender catfish (Belonoglanis tenuis) is a freshwater fish of the family Amphiliidae that grows up to 17 cm.

Length
17.2 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

Belonoglanis tenuis is a small, strikingly slender African catfish of the family Amphiliidae, occurring in the Congo basin. The species has a strongly elongate, needle-like body with barbels around the mouth, characteristic of catfishes. It lives on the bottom of flowing waters, where it presumably feeds on small invertebrates and insect larvae. The fish reaches a length of about 17 cm. Amphiliidae are adapted to fast-flowing, rocky streams and mountain brooks. Little detailed information is available on the precise ecology and reproduction of this species.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Slender catfish?

The Slender catfish has an elongate, eel-like body.

Where does the Slender catfish live?

The Slender catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Slender catfish get?

The Slender catfish grows to a maximum of about 17 cm.

Is the Slender catfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Slender catfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Slender catfish edible?

The Slender catfish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Slanke naaldmeerval sourced
English name
Slender catfish sourced
Scientific name
Belonoglanis tenuis
Family
Amphiliidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
17.2 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. 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 Belonoglanis

More from the family Amphiliidae

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