Fin's Fish Guide
The Skewtail suckermouth catfish (Chiloglanis asymetricaudalis) is a freshwater fish of the family Mochokidae that grows up to 8 cm.
East Africa; Rusizi and Luiche rivers in the Tanganyika basin (Burundi, DR Congo, Rwanda, Tanzania).
Description
The Skewtail suckermouth catfish is a suckermouth squeaker (Mochokidae) from fast-flowing, clear fresh water of the Malagarasi drainage in East 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 Skewtail suckermouth catfish?
The Skewtail suckermouth catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Sucker-like oral disc and a strikingly asymmetrical caudal fin; endangered (EN) rapids dweller.
Where does the Skewtail suckermouth catfish live?
The Skewtail suckermouth catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. East Africa; Rusizi and Luiche rivers in the Tanganyika basin (Burundi, DR Congo, Rwanda, Tanzania).
How big does the Skewtail suckermouth catfish get?
The Skewtail suckermouth catfish grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.
Is the Skewtail suckermouth catfish dangerous to humans?
The Skewtail 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 Skewtail suckermouth catfish edible?
The Skewtail 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 Skewtail suckermouth catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Skewtail suckermouth catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.