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Benue suckermouth catfish (Chiloglanis benuensis) — Mochokidae

Benue suckermouth catfish

Chiloglanis benuensis
Family: Mochokidae

The Benue suckermouth catfish (Chiloglanis benuensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Mochokidae that grows up to 4 cm.

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

Description

The Benue suckermouth catfish is a suckermouth squeaker (Mochokidae) from fast-flowing, clear fresh water of the Benue drainage in West 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 Benue suckermouth catfish?

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

Where does the Benue suckermouth catfish live?

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

How big does the Benue suckermouth catfish get?

The Benue suckermouth catfish grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Benue suckermouth catfish dangerous to humans?

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

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Benue-zuigmeerval sourced
English name
Benue suckermouth catfish sourced
Scientific name
Chiloglanis benuensis
Family
Mochokidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
3.8 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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