C. deckenii is the
type species of this genus. Description:
Slender body, the dorsal profile decends only slowly
from the greatest body depth to the caudal peduncle.
The dorsal fin spine is only slightlylonger
to somewhat shorter than the body depth. The ventral
fins begin midway between the start of the dorsal
fin and that of the adipose fin. The caudal fin is
deeply forked, the two caudal fin lobes are large,
and the lower may be prolonged in the male. Colouration:
Base colouration of dark brown on the upper parts
of the body and the head. A darker stripe runs from
the eye to the base of the maxillary barbels, which
are integrated into the sucking disk. Below the centre
of the flank the dark brown colouration changes more
or less rapidly to the yellowish-beige colouration
of the underside. The lateral line is marked in yellowish-beige,
and around 10 vertcal rows of of iris-sized dots of
the same colour extend across the body. The caudal
peduncle exibits a vertical dark brown spot, and there
is a spot of the same colour on the centre of each
of the caudal fin lobes and another at the base of
the dorsal fin (Seegers, L., 2008). 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 algae and aquatic
insects. Etymology: In honour of
Karl Klaus von der Decken (1833-1865), German explorer
who collected the type specimen. Remarks:
Widespread distribution across several localities
in Kenya and Tanzania. No overall recorded decline
(2006 IUCN) but needs updating.
Common
Name:
Pangani suckermouth
Synonyms:
Synodontis eurystomus
Family:
Mochokidae
Distribution:
Africa:
Pangani River basin in Kenya and Tanzania.
Type locality: Africa orientalis.
Size:
7.0cm. (2¾ins)
Temp:
20-26°C (67-79°F)
p.H.
6.0-7.2.
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.
2023. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication.
www.fishbase.org, ( 07/2023 ).
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. Seegers, L., 2008. The catfishes
of Africa: A handbook for identification and maintenance.
Aqualog Verlag A.C.S. GmbH, Germany. 604 p.
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