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Angola suckermouth catfish (Chiloglanis angolensis) — Mochokidae

Angola suckermouth catfish

Chiloglanis angolensis
Family: Mochokidae

The Angola suckermouth catfish (Chiloglanis angolensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Mochokidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
5.6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Can cause injury

Description

The Angola suckermouth catfish is a suckermouth squeaker (Mochokidae) from fast-flowing, clear fresh water of Angola in southern Africa. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a flattened body with a large, sucking lower lip with which it clings to rocks in strong current and rasps off algae, and short barbels. As a bottom-dweller it lives among stones and gravel of oxygen-rich mountain streams. The pectoral and dorsal spines can give a painful puncture wound when handled.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Angola suckermouth catfish?

The Angola suckermouth catfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Angola suckermouth catfish live?

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

How big does the Angola suckermouth catfish get?

The Angola suckermouth catfish grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Angola suckermouth catfish dangerous to humans?

The Angola suckermouth catfish can cause injury; handle it with care.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Angolese zuigmeerval sourced
English name
Angola suckermouth catfish sourced
Scientific name
Chiloglanis angolensis
Family
Mochokidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.6 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

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

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal 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
Can cause injury verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Chiloglanis

More from the family Mochokidae

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