This genera, which includes
another 8 species are quite difficult to identify,
and on top of this juveniles can have different markings
and colouration to the adult versions. P. balayi
is quit a slim species and its caudal peduncle is
also more slender than conspecifics. Colouration:
This species is variable in colouration and markings.
Description: Dorsal spines (total): 2. Diagnosis:
caudal peduncle relatively long, its depth a little
larger than horizontal distance between the base of
adipose and caudal fins (but almost never twice as
great); pectoral spine smooth on its anterior margin,
except for a few serrations near the tip; preorbital
head length less than maximum head depth; color pattern
on flank strongly marked in most cases; adipose fin
height 3-7% SL, dorsal fin height 15-25% (28%) SL),
head depth 56-88% head width; barbels relatively short,
e.g. external mandibular barbel usually shorter than
1.3 times HL, never reaching beyond tip of pectoral
spine. Aquarium Care: Grows quite
large but not a predator as such so should be safe
to house with smaller species. Best suited to the
larger aquarium. Peaceful large catfish which will
do well in company of larger characins from Africa
and large Barbs. Diet: Will eat a
variety of foods. Tablet and pellet foods with a good
quality flake and frozen bloodworms. Also relishes
live worms such as the common garden worm, making
sure that there has been no weedkiller on the premises,
and white worm.
Africa: River
systems in South Cameroon, Gabon and Democratic Republic
of the Congo. Type locality:
Lopé [Ogôoué River].
Size:
30.0cm. (12ins)
Temp:
22-28°C (71-83°F)
p.H.
6.2.-7.5.
Reference:
Seegers, L.
2008 The catfishes of Africa. A handbook for identification
and maintenance. Aqualog Verlag A.C.S. GmbH, Germany.
604 p.
Geerinckx, T., D. Adriaens, G.G. Teugels and W. Verraes,
2004. A systematic
revision of the African catfish genus Parauchenoglanis
(Siluriformes: Claroteidae). J. Nat. Hist. 38:775-803.
Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2021. FishBase.
World Wide Web electronic publication. www.fishbase.org,
( 02/2021 ).
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