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Modimo, M. Y et al 2024 (3)

Abstract: A new, distinctively short-bodied giraffe catfish of Parauchenoglanis is described from the Ndzaa River, a small left-bank tributary of the Mfimi-Lukenie basin in the Central basin of the Congo River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The new species can be distinguished from all congeners by having 29 or fewer (vs. 33 or more) total vertebrae. It can further be distinguished from all congeners, except Parauchenoglanis zebratus Sithole et al., 2023 and Parauchenoglanis ngamensis (Boulenger 1911), by having 13 or 14 (vs. 16 or more) pre-anal vertebrae. (Modimo, M. Y et al 2024). Habitat: The species is endemic to the Mfimi River basin, where it has been collected mainly in blackwater tributaries. Etymology: Parauchenoglanis stiassnyae is named after Melanie L. J. Stiassny (MLJS) of the AMHN. MLJS is the initiator of the AMNH Congo Project that resulted in significant documentation and an improved systematic, biological, and evolutionary understanding of the Congo River basin ichthyofauna with an extensive collection deposited at the AMNH, the University of Kinshasa, and the University of Marien Ngouabi. Additionally, MLJS trained and continues to train numerous Congolese ichthyologists, including the authors of the present paper. We dedicate this species to her outstanding work and commitment to biodiscovery and conservation in the Congo River basin.

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Auchenoglanididae

Africa: Endemic to the Mfimi River basin, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Type Locality: Tributaries of the Mfimi-Lukenie River basin.

7.5cm. (3ins)

22-26°C (71-79°F)

6.2-7.5.

Fish in the News. 2024
Modimo, M. Y., Bernt, M. J., Monsembula Iyaba, R. J. C., Mbimbi, J. J. M. M., & Liyandja, T. L. D. (2024). Parauchenoglanis stiassnyae (Siluriformes: Auchenoglanididae): A new species of giraffe catfish from Mfimi-Lukenie basin, central Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Journal of Fish Biology, 1–13.