Shortspine suckermouth (Chiloglanis pretoriae)

Scientific name: Chiloglanis pretoriae Van Der Horst, 1931

The Shortspine suckermouth (Chiloglanis pretoriae) is a freshwater fish of the family Mochokidae. Native range: Africa, Limpopo, Incomati River systems and from the middle and lower Zambezi, Pungwe and Buzi systems.

Biology

Found in shallow rocky reaches, riffles and rapids of permanent rivers. Has a wider altitudinal range than most species, common where it occurs. Feeds on aquatic insects such as mayfly nymphs and caddis fly and blackfly larvae. Breeds during summer, laying eggs between rocks and in gravel. Oviparous. Is a useful indicator species in river conservation studies.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Chiloglanis pretoriae
Family
Mochokidae (Squeakers or upside-down catfishes)
Order
Siluriformes (Catfish)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
6.5
Environment
Freshwater; benthopelagic
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
Africa: Limpopo, Incomati River systems and from the middle and lower Zambezi, Pungwe and Buzi systems.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Aquarium: potential
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

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