Fin's Fish Guide
The Congo suckermouth catfish (Chiloglanis congicus) is a freshwater fish of the family Mochokidae that grows up to 8 cm.
Description
The Congo suckermouth catfish is a suckermouth squeaker (Mochokidae) from fast-flowing, clear fresh water of the Congo basin in Central 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 Congo suckermouth catfish?
The Congo suckermouth catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Disc-shaped sucker mouth to attach itself to stones in rapids.
Where does the Congo suckermouth catfish live?
The Congo suckermouth catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Congo basin in Central Africa; rocky rapids.
How big does the Congo suckermouth catfish get?
The Congo suckermouth catfish grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.
Is the Congo suckermouth catfish dangerous to humans?
The Congo suckermouth catfish can cause injury; handle it with care. For a cut or puncture from a sharp fin spine: rinse the wound with clean water, apply pressure to stop bleeding and cover with a sterile dressing. Check that no spine fragment remains and watch for signs of infection; for a deep wound update tetanus protection.
Is the Congo suckermouth catfish edible?
The Congo suckermouth catfish is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Chiloglanis
More from the family Mochokidae
Want the complete picture on the Congo suckermouth catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Congo suckermouth catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.