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Nile suckermouth catfish (Chiloglanis niloticus) — Mochokidae

Nile suckermouth catfish

Chiloglanis niloticus
Family: Mochokidae

The Nile suckermouth catfish (Chiloglanis niloticus) is a freshwater fish of the family Mochokidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
4.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Ethiopia, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Sudan and others

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Description

The Nile suckermouth catfish is a small suckermouth catlet (Mochokidae) from fresh water of the Nile basin in Africa. The species grows to about 5 cm and has a flattened, yellow-brown body with barbels and a sucker-like mouth disc with which it clings to rocks in the current and rasps growth. As a bottom-dweller it lives in fast-flowing, oxygen-rich streams. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Nile suckermouth catfish?

The Nile suckermouth catfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Nile suckermouth catfish live?

The Nile suckermouth catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Africa: Ethiopia, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Sudan and others

How big does the Nile suckermouth catfish get?

The Nile suckermouth catfish grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Nile suckermouth catfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Nile suckermouth 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
Nile suckermouth catfish sourced
Scientific name
Chiloglanis niloticus
Family
Mochokidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Africa: Ethiopia, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Sudan and others sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal 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 Chiloglanis

More from the family Mochokidae

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