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Chiloglanis bifurcus Jubb & Le Roux, 1969 Incomati suckermouth |
| Family: | Mochokidae (Squeakers or upside-down catfishes), subfamily: Chiloglanidinae | |||
| Max. size: | 6.8 cm SL (male/unsexed) | |||
| Environment: | benthopelagic; freshwater | |||
| Distribution: | Africa: endemic to Crocodile-Incomati system at altitudes of 900-1200 m (Ref. 7248, 52193).. | |||
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 1-1; Dorsal soft rays (total): 6-6; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 11-11. Description: Oral disc large; maxillary barbels reach beyond hind margin of disc; mandibular barbels short; mandibular teeth long, widely spaced, up to 8 (Ref. 52193). Dorsal fin with 1 spine and 6 soft rays; anal fin with 3 unbranched and 8 branched rays; dorsal spine long, 75-80% length of fin; fins all large, caudal forked with large, rounded lobes (Ref. 52193). Colouration: Light brown with dark brown shadows; fins yellow with black bands; black spots at the base of either caudal lobe (Ref. 52193). |
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| Biology: | Found in rocky rapids and cascades in altitudes of 900-1,200 m; prefers deeper waters (30-60 cm) over cobbles (Ref. 26172, 52193). It feeds on benthic invertebrates such as mayfly and caddis fly nymphs, blackfly and midge larvae and small snails (Ref. 52193). Oviparous (Ref. 205). Breeds during summer and is a partial spawner (Ref. 52193). Increasing extraction and regulation of river water as well as pollution threaten this species (Ref. 7248). | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Critically Endangered (CR); Date assessed: 30 November 2016 (A2ace) Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||