SCOTCAT.COM  

Christian Fry (3)

Abstract: We used molecular and morphological data to address the challenge of species delimitation within the genus Schilbe. The presence or absence of an adipose fin and distribution based on east-flowing, conceivably faster-flowing, or west-flowing, probably more slow-flowing, river systems were considered. Distinctive geographic patterns in genetic variation within southern, eastern, and western African populations were revealed. Particularly, the South African population is distinct from those of Namibia, Botswana and Nigeria. No individuals with rudimentary adipose fins were found at any locality, but specimens from three localities either had or did not have adipose fins. These mixed occurrences are suspected to be a result of human interventions, and that the presence of rudimentary adipose fins in the east African species could be an adaptive feature that serves to stabilise these fish in faster currents. In addition, the genetic divergence observed among African silver catfish from geographically isolated river systems is conceivably the result of micro-evolutionary adaptive responses to different environmental conditions. Collectively, these results distinguish S. depressirostris from S. intermedius (HF van der Bank et.al. 2017). Aquarium Care: Needs a large tank as this is a schooling species and will not do well as singe specimens. Larger specimens may attack other inmates of the aquarium. They seem to prefer a darker substrate. Diet: Will eat most prepared foods including fish.

African silver catfish

Eutropius depressirostris

Schilbeidae

Africa: Mozambique. Luphephe-Nwanedzi impoundment in north-east Venda (South Africa 30° 25' E, 23° 14' S).

35.0cm. (14ins)

23-26°C (73-79°F)

6.5-7.2.

HF van der Bank, BS Bezeng & PH Skelton (2017) Systematic reinstatement of Schilbe depressirostris (Peters, 1852), based on differences in DNA barcoding and morphology, from Schilbe intermedius Rüppell, 1832 (Siluriformes, Schilbeidae), African Journal of Aquatic Science.
T. Hecht (1980) Age, Growth, Reproduction and mortality of the butter-catfish Eutropius depressirostris (Schilbeidae: pisces) in the Luphephe Nwanedzi Impoundhent, Venda (South Africa), Journal of the Limnological Society of Southern Africa.