Home · Mochokidae · Three-lobed suckermouth
Three-lobed suckermouth (Chiloglanis trilobatus) — Mochokidae

Three-lobed suckermouth

Chiloglanis trilobatus
Family: Mochokidae
LC · Least Concern

The Three-lobed suckermouth (Chiloglanis trilobatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Mochokidae that grows up to 5 cm.

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

Description

The suckermouth catfish is a small catfish (Mochokidae) from the fresh waters of Africa. The species has a flattened body and a disc-shaped sucker mouth with fleshy lips, with which it clings to stones in fast-flowing water. It inhabits rocky rapids of rivers and streams. With its sucker mouth it rasps algae, growth and small invertebrates from the stones. It is oviparous. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Three-lobed suckermouth?

The Three-lobed suckermouth has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Three-lobed suckermouth live?

The Three-lobed suckermouth lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Three-lobed suckermouth get?

The Three-lobed suckermouth grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Three-lobed suckermouth dangerous to humans?

No, the Three-lobed suckermouth is harmless to humans.

Is the Three-lobed suckermouth edible?

The Three-lobed suckermouth is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Drielob-zuigmeervalletje sourced
English name
Three-lobed suckermouth verified
Scientific name
Chiloglanis trilobatus
Family
Mochokidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.2 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
No 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
Omnivore 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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