Home · Mochokidae · Limpopo rock catlet
Limpopo rock catlet (Chiloglanis pretoriae) — Mochokidae

Limpopo rock catlet

Chiloglanis pretoriae
Family: Mochokidae
LC · Least Concern

The Limpopo rock catlet (Chiloglanis pretoriae) is a freshwater fish of the family Mochokidae that grows up to 7 cm.

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

Description

The Pretoria suckermouth catfish is a small catfish of the family Mochokidae from southern Africa. The species grows to only a few centimetres and has a flattened body and a sucker-like, downward-pointing mouth with fleshy lips, with which it clings to stones in fast-flowing water. It inhabits shallow rocky reaches, riffles and rapids of permanent rivers and has a wider altitudinal range than many related species. It grazes the growth layer of algae and small invertebrates. The stout pectoral fin spines can give a puncture wound; otherwise the fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Limpopo rock catlet?

The Limpopo rock catlet has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Limpopo rock catlet live?

The Limpopo rock catlet lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Limpopo rock catlet get?

The Limpopo rock catlet grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Limpopo rock catlet dangerous to humans?

No, the Limpopo rock catlet is harmless to humans.

Is the Limpopo rock catlet edible?

The Limpopo rock catlet is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Pretoria-zuigmeerval sourced
English name
Limpopo rock catlet verified
Scientific name
Chiloglanis pretoriae
Family
Mochokidae
Other names
Shortspine rock catlet; Shortspine suckermouth verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Herbivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

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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