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SAIAB (4)

Abstract: Chiloglanis asperocutis is distinguished from other southern African congeners by a combination of characters, including ridge-like tubercles distributed on the dorsal and lateral surfaces of the head and body giving the skin a conspicuously rough texture, ten closely packed mandibular teeth, deeply forked caudal fin and a high number of primary premaxillary teeth (68–128). Habitat: This species is known from multiple localities in the Pungwe and Buzi River systems. It is a rheophilic species that occurs in rocky habitats with fast flowing water. Diet: Macroinvertebrates from the families Simuliidae, Chironomidae, Hydropsychidae and Libellulidae were the dominant prey item for this species with algae forming a smaller component of the diet of this species (Matomela et al 2018). Aquarium Care: Good oxygenated water from a power filter. Sand or gravel substrate with smooth rocks or pebbles. Their dorsal and pectoral fins are sharp and can cause wounds if not handled carefully. Reproduction: There are no dedicated studies on the breeding biology of C. asperocutis, but spawning is likely to begin in summer (October–November) based on the general pattern of other congeners (Skelton 2001), and other mochokid fishes from this region. Etymology: The specific name asperocutis: A combination of the Latin words, aspero, meaning rough, and cutis, meaning skin. The name refers to the distinct ridges on the skin (more pronounced on the head dorsum) which is characteristic of this species.

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Mochokidae

Africa: Multiple localities in the Pungwe and Buzi River systems in the Eastern Zimbabwe Highlands.

6.5cm. (2½ins)

23-26°C (73-79°F)

6.5-7.2.

Fish in the News 2025
Mutizwa TI, Bere T, Kadye WT, Bragança PHN, Chakona A (2025) Description of two new species of Chiloglanis (Teleostei, Mochokidae) from the Eastern Zimbabwe Highlands freshwater ecoregion: an overlooked hotspot of rheophilic fishes. ZooKeys 1241: 261-290.