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Pangani suckermouth (Chiloglanis deckenii) — Mochokidae

Pangani suckermouth

Chiloglanis deckenii
Family: Mochokidae
LC · Least Concern

The Pangani suckermouth (Chiloglanis deckenii) is a freshwater fish of the family Mochokidae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
7 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Herbivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The Pangani suckermouth catlet is a small African catfish from fresh water of East Africa, including the Pangani system. The species grows to about 7 cm and has a flattened body, short barbels and a sucker-like lower lip with which it clings to stones in fast-flowing water. This keeps it in place in streams and rapids while it grazes algae and small invertebrates from rocks. The fish is harmless to humans. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Pangani suckermouth?

The Pangani suckermouth has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Pangani suckermouth live?

The Pangani suckermouth lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Pangani suckermouth get?

The Pangani suckermouth grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Pangani suckermouth dangerous to humans?

No, the Pangani suckermouth is harmless to humans.

Is the Pangani suckermouth edible?

The Pangani suckermouth is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Pangani-zuigmeerval verified
English name
Pangani suckermouth verified
Scientific name
Chiloglanis deckenii
Family
Mochokidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Marbled sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced
Lips
Thick / fleshy sourced
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Herbivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary sourced
Territorial
No sourced
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. 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 Chiloglanis

More from the family Mochokidae

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