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Bernt, M.J. & Stiassny, M.L.J. 2022 (1)

Description: Clarias monsembulai can be distinguished from all congeners, with the exception of C. buthupogon, by its exceptionally long maxillary barbels (60% of standard length or greater) vs. maxillary barbels less than 60% SL (usually considerably less). It differs from C. buthupogon in the absence of fine, pale spots over the surface of the body and by an exposed bony surface of the cleithrum reaching 14%–20% of head length (vs. cleithrum deeply imbedded in soft tissue with only a narrow bony ridge visible externally). Clarias monsembulai can be further differentiated from C. angolensis, the species with which it shares closest phenotypic similarity, by longer nasal barbels (37%–51% SL vs. 22%–34% SL), longer internal mandibular barbels (29–37% SL vs. 16–27% SL), longer external mandibular barbels (45%–57% SL vs. 24%–40% SL); and by the colouration of maxillary barbels which are white or cream-colored distally over more than half of their length (vs. brown or gray over more than half their length), (Bernt, M.J. & Stiassny, M.L.J. 2022). Aquarium Care: Very much a predator so would need to be kept alone or with its own kind as in a pair. They are predators and very good escape artists as well so if you do fancy keeping them a tight lid is essential with large hiding places, a soft bottom (sand or rounded gravel) and of course a large tank of 4ft or larger and outside filtration. Diet: Feeds on insect larvae, earthworms, shells, shrimps, small fish, aquatic plants and debris. In its native habitat it is a scavenger and will eat smaller fish and are opportunist feeders and so will eat just about anything!. In the aquarium they are not fussy feeders but fish of some sort should be on the menu but does not necessary need to be live food. Etymology: Named in honour of Raoul Monsembula Iyaba (professor of biology, University of Kinshasa) for collecting the type series of this species, and in recognition of his substantial contributions to central African ichthyology.

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Clariidae

Africa: Momboyo, Luilaka, Salonga, and Yenge river systems within the Cuvette Centrale of the middle Congo River Basin.

22.0cm. (8¾ins) holotype

20-25°C (68-77°F)

6.0-7.5

Bernt, M.J. & Stiassny, M.L.J. (2022): A New Species of Air-Breathing Catfish (Clariidae: Clarias) from Salonga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo. American Museum Novitates, 2022 (3990): 1-20.