HomeFreshwater aquarium fishCatfish & plecosSawfin suckermouth Sawfin suckermouth (Chiloglanis paratus) Scientific name: Chiloglanis paratus Crass, 1960 The Sawfin suckermouth (Chiloglanis paratus) is a freshwater fish of the family Mochokidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 20–24°C (68–75°F). Native range: Africa, Pongolo, Incomati and Limpopo Rivers systems. Sawfin suckermouth care at a glanceTemperature20–24°C (68–75°F) BiologyPrefers rocky riffles and rapids but may be found in rocky pools or intermittent streams during low water conditions. Migrates into seasonal streams, climbing damp barriers by clinging with the mouth. Oviparous.Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Species factsScientific nameChiloglanis paratusFamilyMochokidae (Squeakers or upside-down catfishes)OrderSiluriformes (Catfish)ClassActinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)Maximum length8.5EnvironmentFreshwater;; pH range: 6.0 - 7.2; dH range: ? - 15 benthopelagic; potamodromousClimateTropicalDistributionAfrica: Pongolo, Incomati and Limpopo Rivers systems.Conservation status (IUCN)Least Concern (LC)Threat to humansHarmlessUsesAquarium: potentialResilienceHigh, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.) More catfish & plecosSynodontis brichardiBlotched upsidedown catfishSynodontis nigriventrisPareutropius buffeiBronze corydorasCorydoras aeneusBloch's catfishPimelodus blochiiBlue panaqueBaryancistrus begginiSee all catfish & plecos SourcesTaxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.Last updated 27 September 2026