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Spotted African catfish (Notoglanidium maculatum) — Claroteidae

Spotted African catfish

Notoglanidium maculatum
Family: Claroteidae

The Spotted African catfish (Notoglanidium maculatum) is a freshwater fish of the family Claroteidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
5.4 cm
Water
Freshwater
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Sierra Leone

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Description

The spotted African catfish is a small catfish (Claroteidae) from fresh water of West and Central Africa. The species grows to about 5 cm and has a stocky, yellow-brown, scaleless body with dark spots, barbels and an adipose fin. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it shelters by day among stones and roots of flowing rivers and searches for insect larvae and small invertebrates at night. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Spotted African catfish?

The Spotted African catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Spotted African catfish live?

The Spotted African catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Africa: Sierra Leone

How big does the Spotted African catfish get?

The Spotted African catfish grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Spotted African catfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Spotted 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.

More photos

Spotted African catfish (Notoglanidium maculatum) — Claroteidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — Boulenger, George Albert, 1858-1937 (Public domain)
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Spotted African catfish sourced
Scientific name
Notoglanidium maculatum
Family
Claroteidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Africa: Sierra Leone sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
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 Notoglanidium

More from the family Claroteidae

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