Fin's Fish Guide
The Zaire mountain catfish (Amphilius zairensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Amphiliidae that grows up to 9 cm.
Central Africa; fast-flowing streams and rivers with a rocky bottom of the Congo basin.
Description
The Zaire mountain catfish is a small African catfish of the loach catfish family (Amphiliidae) from the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species grows to about 9 cm and has an elongate, flattened body with barbels and broad, rounded fins. It inhabits fast-flowing brooks and rivers with a rocky bottom, where it moves over the bottom among the stones. Unlike many catfishes, loach catfishes lack strong, serrated spines and are harmless to handle. As a bottom searcher it feeds on insect larvae and small benthic invertebrates. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Zaire mountain catfish?
The Zaire mountain catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Flattened little walking catfish of fast-flowing streams; lacks the strong spines of other catfishes.
Where does the Zaire mountain catfish live?
The Zaire mountain catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Central Africa; fast-flowing streams and rivers with a rocky bottom of the Congo basin.
How big does the Zaire mountain catfish get?
The Zaire mountain catfish grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.
Is the Zaire mountain catfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Zaire mountain catfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Zaire mountain catfish edible?
The Zaire mountain catfish is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Amphilius
More from the family Amphiliidae
Want the complete picture on the Zaire mountain catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Zaire mountain catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.