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Longtail African catfish (Phractura macrura) — Amphiliidae

Longtail African catfish

Phractura macrura
Family: Amphiliidae

The Longtail African catfish (Phractura macrura) is a freshwater fish of the family Amphiliidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
9.1 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Angola

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Description

The longtail African catfish is a loach catfish (Amphiliidae) from fast-flowing, clear streams and rivers of Central Africa. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a very slender, elongate, brown body with bony platelets, a long tail stalk and barbels around the mouth. As a bottom-dweller of oxygen-rich water it wedges among gravel and stones and snaps at insect larvae and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Longtail African catfish?

The Longtail African catfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Longtail African catfish live?

The Longtail African catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Africa: Angola

How big does the Longtail African catfish get?

The Longtail African catfish grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Longtail African catfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Longtail African 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
Longtail African catfish sourced
Scientific name
Phractura macrura
Family
Amphiliidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
9.1 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: Angola sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
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 Phractura

More from the family Amphiliidae

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