Habitat: Found
in rocky rapids as well as in fringing vegetation
in the mainstream current. Skelton (2001) reports
the species from rocky rapids and fringing vegetation
in the mainstream current. In the Upper Zambezi, Tweddle
et al. (2004) reported it from grounded vegetation
mats in the main river channel, and along sandy cliff
river banks when the river was overflowing onto the
floodplain. Similarly, Tweddle et al. (2003) reported
the species from over-topping banks of the Okavango
River in the Panhandle area, while the species was
not found in the delta region. In rocky southern rapids
of the Upper Zambezi a more robust form was recognised
that may be distinct, while in northern Zambezi tributaries
at least two clearly distinct species were recognised
(Tweddle et al. 2004). Colouration:
Whitish cream base with dark brown spots on the body.
The caudal fin exhibits a dark vertical stripe (Seegers,
L. 2008). 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 small invertebrates
and algae from the surface of rocks and plants. Etymology:
fasciatus meaning "banded" referring
to the vertical stripe on the tail. Remarks:
C. fasciatus is widespread with no immediate
threats to its habitat. This assessment is unlikely
to change after taxonomic investigation but it does
need updating. Regulation of water flows are likely
to have major impacts on all Chiloglanis
species. Plans to develop dams and HEP schemes in
the upper Okavango will thus threaten this species.
(IUCN 2007).
Common
Name:
Okavango Suckermouth
Synonyms:
None
Family:
Mochokidae
Distribution:
Africa:
Zambezi River system, Angola and Botswana.
Type locality: Cubango, Angola.
Size:
6.5cm.
TL. (2½ins)
Temp:
23-26°C (73-79°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.
2023. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication.
www.fishbase.org, ( 06/2023 ). 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. Tweddle, D. 2007. Chiloglanis fasciatus.
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2007.
Chiloglanis
fasciatus Shesheke
Flats on the ZambeziRiver
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