Fin's Fish Guide
The Brien's loach catfish (Belonoglanis brieni) is a freshwater fish of the family Amphiliidae that grows up to 5 cm.
Description
Brien's loach catfish is a slender mountain-stream catfish (Amphiliidae) from fast-flowing fresh water of the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species grows to about 10 cm and has an extremely slender, elongate, needle-like body with bony platelets, barbels and a long tail base, adapted to cling to stones in current. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it lives among rocks and gravel of clear streams and snaps at insect larvae and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Brien's loach catfish?
The Brien's loach catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Strongly elongated, needle-shaped body; bottom-dweller of fast-flowing streams.
Where does the Brien's loach catfish live?
The Brien's loach catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Congo basin in Central Africa.
How big does the Brien's loach catfish get?
The Brien's loach catfish grows to a maximum of about 5 cm. On average the species is around 4 cm.
Is the Brien's loach catfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Brien's loach catfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Brien's loach catfish edible?
The Brien's loach catfish is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Belonoglanis
More from the family Amphiliidae
Want the complete picture on the Brien's loach catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Brien's loach catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.