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Slender catfish (Belonoglanis tenuis) — Amphiliidae

Slender catfish

Belonoglanis tenuis
Family: Amphiliidae
LC · Least Concern

The Slender catfish (Belonoglanis tenuis) is a freshwater fish of the family Amphiliidae that grows up to 17 cm.

Length
17.2 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Freshwater of the Congo basin in Central Africa.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

Belonoglanis tenuis is a small, strikingly slender African catfish of the family Amphiliidae, occurring in the Congo basin. The species has a strongly elongate, needle-like body with barbels around the mouth, characteristic of catfishes. It lives on the bottom of flowing waters, where it presumably feeds on small invertebrates and insect larvae. The fish reaches a length of about 17 cm. Amphiliidae are adapted to fast-flowing, rocky streams and mountain brooks. Little detailed information is available on the precise ecology and reproduction of this species.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Slender catfish?

The Slender catfish has an elongate, eel-like body. Strongly elongated, needle-shaped body; bottom-dweller of fast-flowing streams.

Where does the Slender catfish live?

The Slender catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Freshwater of the Congo basin in Central Africa.

How big does the Slender catfish get?

The Slender catfish grows to a maximum of about 17 cm.

Is the Slender catfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Slender 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.

Is the Slender catfish edible?

The Slender catfish is not usually eaten.

More photos

Slender catfish (Belonoglanis tenuis) — Amphiliidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Gina Walsh, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Slender catfish sourced
Scientific name
Belonoglanis tenuis
Family
Amphiliidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
17.2 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Freshwater of the Congo basin in Central Africa. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates and insect larvae sourced
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Strongly elongated, needle-shaped body; bottom-dweller of fast-flowing streams. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
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 Belonoglanis

More from the family Amphiliidae

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