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Longhead loach catfish (Dolichamphilius longiceps) — Amphiliidae

Longhead loach catfish

Dolichamphilius longiceps
Family: Amphiliidae

The Longhead loach catfish (Dolichamphilius longiceps) is a freshwater fish of the family Amphiliidae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
4.2 cm
Water
Freshwater
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Congo Dem Rp

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Description

The Longhead loach catfish is a slender mountain-stream catfish (Amphiliidae) from fast-flowing fresh water of the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a slender, elongate, flattened body with bony platelets, barbels and broad pectoral fins, adapted to cling to stones in current. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it lives among rocks and gravel of clear streams and snaps at insect larvae and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Longhead loach catfish?

The Longhead loach catfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Longhead loach catfish live?

The Longhead loach catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Africa: Congo Dem Rp

How big does the Longhead loach catfish get?

The Longhead loach catfish grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Longhead loach catfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Longhead loach catfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Longhead loach catfish sourced
Scientific name
Dolichamphilius longiceps
Family
Amphiliidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.2 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Natural range
Africa: Congo Dem Rp sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Dolichamphilius

More from the family Amphiliidae

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