This genus is the African equivalent
of the sucker mouth catfishes of South America and
has a sucking disc that helps them to cling on to
rocks in fast flowing rivers. Not an easy genus to
identify to species. Habitat: Prefers
fast-flowing upper reaches of rivers with rocks and
small boulders. Also found in residual pools. Reproduction:
Oviparous. Probably spawns more than once per year.
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. Sexual Differences: Usually
in the form of a different shaped caudal fin. Diet:
Mouth and dentition suggest that it is a bottom feeder
and algal grazer. In the aquarium feed algae, fly
larvae foods, bloodworm, and flake food.
Common
Name:
None
Synonyms:
None
Family:
Mochokidae
Distribution:
Africa:
Westward flowing Kenya rivers affluent to Lake Victoria.
Type locality: Waroya River, Nyanza
Province, Kenya; at 34º30'E, 0º10'N.
Size:
10.0cm. (4ins)
Temp:
20-24°C (67-75°F)
p.H.
6.5-7.2.
Reference:
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. 2009. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic
publication. www.fishbase.org, version (09/2009).
Sands, David: Catfishes of the World
Volume 2 Mochokidae.Dunure Publications 1983.
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