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P. H. N. Bragança (3)

Description: Chiloglanis fortuitus is distinguished from all known species of Chiloglanis, including all species in the Upper Guinean Forest, except C. disneyi, C. microps, C. niger, and C. orthodontus, in having 18 mandibular teeth in the functional row (vs. 6–15 teeth; Table 1). It is easily distinguished from C. disneyi, C. microps, and C. niger in having longer mandibular barbels whereas these are absent or reduced in the latter species. Chiloglanis fortuitus is distinguished from C. orthodontus in having a more robust oral disc and its length equal to its width versus length much shorter than width (Friel and Vigliotta, 2011). Chiloglanis fortuitus is further distinguished from C. orthodontus in having a longer dorsal spine (12.8 versus 4.1–7.8 % SL) and shorter maxillary barbels (7.2 versus 9.4–14.8 % SL), (Schmidt et al., 2023). Habitat: Known from the type locality in the Dayea River above Yekepa in Nimba County, Liberia. Reproduction: Oviparous. Distinct pairing during breeding and is likely to be an interstitial gravel spawner. 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. Diet: Feeds on invertebrates such as mayfly nymphs and caddis fly, blackfly or midge larvae grazed from rocks. Etymology: The specific epithet is ‘‘fortuitus,’’ referring to the fortuitous aspect of collecting this one specimen at the type locality. The collector, D. Tweddle, sampled fishes at 36 localities in the upper St. John River drainage in Liberia and collected 69 specimens of Chiloglanis at ten of these localities. Additionally, the lot that contained C. fortuitus was one of the three lots borrowed by the lead author to aid with the description of C. tweddlei (Schmidt et al., 2017). The discovery and formal description of C. fortuitus is fortuitous in several aspects (Schmidt et al., 2023).

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Mochokidae

Africa: Dayea River above Yekepa in Nimba County, Liberia.

3.5cm. (1½ins)

22-25°C (71-77°F)

6.0-7.2.

Schmidt, R. C., Bragança, P. H. N., Friel, J. P., Pezold, F., Tweddle, D., 2023. 31 July 2023 Two New Species of Suckermouth Catfishes (Mochokidae: Chiloglanis) from Upper Guinean Forest Streams in West Africa. Ichthyology & Herpetology 111 (3), 376-389, (31 July 2023).