| Family: |
Citharinidae (Lutefishes) |
| Max. size: |
58.6 cm SL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 9,120.0 g |
| Environment: |
demersal; freshwater |
| Distribution: |
Africa: found only in the Niger basin in Nigeria (Ref. 2938, 7095, 81281). Maps in Ref. 2938, 81281, Ref. 31256 and Ref. 51193 also mention presence in Bénué basin. Species has also been reported from Chad basin in Cameroon (Ref. 51193). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal soft rays (total): 17-19; Anal soft rays: 19-22. Diagnosis: snout longer than eye diameter; body depth 1.7-2.2x and head length 2.8-3.3x SL; caudal peduncle 0.8-0.9x long than deep; scale formula 12.5/46-51/14.5-16.5; 12.5 scales between lateral line and pelvic-fin base; characterized by ctenoid scales; scales without denticulations on posterior margin, but with parallel ridges prolonged as spines beyond posterior margin; short pectorals, half of head length; pelvic fins longer than pectorals, provided with scaly process at their bases; 17-19 dorsal fin branched rays; 19-22 anal fin branched rays (Ref. 2938, 81281).
Description: body deep and compressed; mouth terminal and armed with fine teeth aligned in single row in each jaw; eye covered by adipose eyelid (Ref. 2938, 81281).
Coloration: yellowish body with irregular black dots; two oblique, bluish-black bars on body: one between anterior part of dorsal and pelvic fins, other between adipose and anal fins; pectorals yellow, other fins black (Ref. 2938, 81281). |
| Biology: |
Maximum TL was recorded at 69.7 cm (Ref. 7095). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 06 May 2019 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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