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Chiloglanis paratus Crass, 1960

Image contributors to this species:

Russell Brian Tate (3) Andrew Deacon (1)

ScotCat Sources:

Other Sources:

Relevant Information:

Habitat: Prefers rocky riffles and rapids but may be found in rocky pools or intermittent streams during low water conditions. Migrates into seasonal streams, climbing damp barriers by clinging with the mouth. Reproduction: Oviparous. Distinct pairing during breeding. 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 aquatic insects such as mayfly nymphs and caddis fly and blackfly larvae. In the aquarium, algae, fly larvae foods, bloodworm, flake food. Etymology: paratus - Latin for prepared or equipped, apparently a key word in the family motto of T. G. Fraser (Natal Parks, Game and Fish Preservation Board), “whose enthusiastic efforts have brought in much useful material”.

Common Name:

Sawfin suckermouth

Synonyms:

None

Family:

Mochokidae

Distribution:

Africa: Phongolo, Incomati and Limpopo river systems, southern Africa. Type locality: Concrete wall of Pongola River barrage, altitude 1000 ft. (31º30'E, 27º23'S), Natal.

Size:

8.5cm. (3½ins)

Temp:

20-24°C (67-75°F)

p.H.

6.0-7.2.

IUCN Red List

Widespread and fairly common from the northern Limpopo in southern Zimbabwe to the Pongolo River in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. First assessed in 2007 as Least Concern, this species status was re-evaluated during the Southern African Freshwater Fish assessment in 2016 and new information has not resulted in a change in status. Close monitoring is still recommended (IUCN 2017).

Reference:

Breder, C.M. and D.E. Rosen, 1966. Modes of reproduction in fishes. T.F.H. Publications, Neptune City, New Jersey. 941 p.
Ferraris, C.J. Jr., 2007. Checklist of catfishes, recent and fossil (Osteichthyes: Siluriformes), and catalogue of siluriform primary types. Zootaxa 1418:1-628.
Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2021. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication. www.fishbase.org, ( 08/2021 ).
Gosse, J.-P., 1986. Mochokidae. p. 105-152. In J. Daget, J.-P. Gosse and D.F.E. Thys van den Audenaerde (eds.) Check-list of the freshwater fishes of Africa (CLOFFA). ISNB, Brussels, MRAC, Tervuren; and ORSTOM, Paris. Vol. 2.
Roux, F. & Hoffman, A. 2017. Chiloglanis paratus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017.
The ETYFish Project. Fish Name Etymology Database © Christopher Scharpf.

Family: Mochokidae Back to Ident-A-Cat Click on Thumbnails

Chiloglanis paratus
Limpopo River, South Africa

Chiloglanis paratus
Dorsal head view-Limpopo River, South Africa (with branched barbel)

Chiloglanis paratus
Mouth view-Limpopo River, South Africa (with branched barbel)

Chiloglanis paratus
S25, Kruger National Park, Mjejane area

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