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Slender sand catfish (Andersonia leptura) — Amphiliidae

Slender sand catfish

Andersonia leptura
Family: Amphiliidae

The Slender sand catfish (Andersonia leptura) is a freshwater fish of the family Amphiliidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
4.6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Cameroon, Central Afr. Rp, Chad, Benin, Ethiopia, Mali and others

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Description

The slender sand catfish is a small mountain-stream catfish (Amphiliidae) from fast-flowing and temporary fresh water of West Africa, including the Sahel. The species grows to about 8 cm and has an extremely slender, elongate, sandy body with barbels and small eyes, adapted to move among sand and gravel. As a bottom-dweller it searches in streams and wadis for insect larvae and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Slender sand catfish?

The Slender sand catfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Slender sand catfish live?

The Slender sand catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Africa: Cameroon, Central Afr. Rp, Chad, Benin, Ethiopia, Mali and others

How big does the Slender sand catfish get?

The Slender sand catfish grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Slender sand catfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Slender sand 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
Slender sand catfish sourced
Scientific name
Andersonia leptura
Family
Amphiliidae
Other names
Whiptailed Nile catfish sourced

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Natural range
Africa: Cameroon, Central Afr. Rp, Chad, Benin, Ethiopia, Mali and others 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

More from the family Amphiliidae

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