Description:
Dorsal spines (total): 2; Dorsal soft rays (total):
4-5; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 7 - 8. Diagnosis:
Chiloglanis mongoensis is readily distinguished
from all other valid species of Chiloglanis
with the exception of C. marlieri and C.
harbinger in possessing 28-30 mandibular teeth
in one row. It is distinguished from C. marlieri
in possessing a longer dorsal spine, 1.8 times into
head length versus 3.1 in C. marlieri. It
is distinguished from C. harbinger in having
fewer premaxillary teeth, 99-116 versus 150-224, arranged
in fewer rows, 4-5 versus 7; a longer dorsal spine,
9.0-9.7% of standard length versus 7.8-9.0%; a deeper
body at anus, 14.0-16.0% of standard length versus
11.7-13.8%; a larger eye, 3.7-4.6% of standard length
versus 2.9-3.5%; and a higher adipose fin, 2.6-3.9%
of standard length versus 1.6-2.3%. Habitat:
Found where the Rio Mongo was shallow, substrate mostly
sand and gravel, and there was little flow.
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. Etymology:
The specific epithet mongoensis: refers to
the Rio Mongo, a tributary to the Rio Wele in Equatorial
Guinea, where the species is presumed endemic. Remarks:
Chiloglanis mongoensis is listed as Endangered
due to a restricted extent of occurrence (EOO: 1,280
km2) and since it is only known to occur in one threat-based
location. The principal threats facing this species
are deforestation, road construction, and potential
hydroelectric projects in the region. The small forested
streams in which this species reside are particular
affected by these land-use changes and the habitats
are in continuing decline (IUCN 2020).
Common
Name:
None
Synonyms:
None
Family:
Mochokidae
Distribution:
Africa:
Rio Mongo, Equatorial Guinea.
Size:
3.5cm.
(1½ins)
Temp:
23-26°C (73-79°F)
p.H.
6.5-7.2.
Reference:
Froese, R. and D. Pauly.
Editors. 2023. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic
publication. www.fishbase.org, ( 10/2023 ). Schmidt, R. 2020. Chiloglanis mongoensis.
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020. Schmidt, R.C. and C. Barrientos,
2019. A new species of suckermouth catfish (Mochokidae:
Chiloglanis) from the Rio Mongo in Equatorial Guinea.
Zootaxa 4652(3):507-519.
Chiloglanis
mongoensis Male, holotype, Equatorial Guinea, Centro Sur, Rio Mongo
near Mosumu, 1.72809° N, 10.088° W
Chiloglanis
mongoensis Dorsal view-male, holotype, Equatorial
Guinea, Centro Sur, Rio Mongo near Mosumu, 1.72809° N, 10.088°
W
Chiloglanis
mongoensis Ventral view-male, holotype, Equatorial Guinea,
Centro Sur, Rio Mongo near Mosumu, 1.72809° N, 10.088°
W
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