| Family: |
Amphiliidae (Loach catfishes), subfamily: Amphiliinae |
| Max. size: |
19.5 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
demersal; freshwater |
| Distribution: |
Africa: widespread in Central and East Africa (Ref. 7248, 52193, 94654), including Okavango and Zambezi systems, south to the Mkuze system in South Africa (Ref. 7248, 52193). Also in the upper Congo drainage and west to Angola (Ref. 87869). Possibly absent from the upper Little Ruaha and Malawi drainage in Tanzania, and from the northern Malagarasi where this species may be replaced by A. kivuensis (Ref. 78218). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7-7; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 8-10. Description: Head longer and broader than that of Amphilius natalensis, length 3.9-4.5 times in standard length, head width equal to or greater than head length (Ref. 52193). Dorsal fin with 1 unbranched and 6 branched rays; anal fin with 3 unbranched and 5-7 branched rays; adipose fin short and deep, notched behind; caudal peduncle length about equal to its depth; caudal fin emarginate or shallowly forked (Ref. 52193). Colouration: Colour variable, usually yellowish brown or greyish brown, mottled or with dark shadows, blotches or spots (Ref. 52193). |
| Biology: |
Prefers clear, flowing water in rocky habitats (Ref. 52193). It feeds on stream insects and other small organisms off rock surfaces (Ref. 52193). Breeds in summer; juveniles are easily mistaken for tadpoles (Ref. 52193). Preyed upon by trout and probably eels (Ref. 7248, 52193). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 20 July 2018 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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