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Rob Palmer (1) Russell Brian Tate (3)

Description: This species is readily differentiated from other Chiloglanis by the presence of a smooth dorsal spine, short, widely spaced short mandibular teeth with long maxillary and mandibular barbels (Skelton, 2001). Habitat: This species is restricted to the mainstems and tributaries of the middle and lower reaches of the Limpopo and Olifants River systems. The habitat preference of this species appears to be fast flowing habitats where both sandy substrates and cobbles are common, this was also observed by Gaigher (1973). Colouration: Olive brown patterned dorsally while the underside is cream coloured to whitish. There are occasional light brown spots and dots on the darker base colouration. The caudal fin exhibits a dark brown spot while there is no distinct colour pattern on this fin. 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. Remarks: Widespread and common in suitable habitats within much of its southern range in Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and Swaziland. Although populations in northern parts of its range in the Limpopo River appear to have declined; it does not qualify for any of the threat categories. 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 Red List). Etymology: Patronym not identified, probably in honour of Cornelis Jacobus Swierstra (1874-1952), a Dutch-born South African entomologist, who, according to Jubb, Freshwater Fishes of Southern Africa (1967), collected the type.

Lowveld suckermouth

Chiloglanis engiops

Mochokidae

Africa: Lowveld and warmer portions of Phongolo, Incomati and Limpopo river basins, southern Africa. Type locality: Crocodile River, Pretoria District, Transvaal.

7.0cm. (2¾ins)

22-25°C (71-77°F)

6.0-7.2.

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. 2022. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication. www.fishbase.org, ( 07/2022 ).
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 swierstrai. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017.