Zaireichthys compactus Seegers, 2008
Zaireichthys compactus
photo by Seegers, L.

Family:  Amphiliidae (Loach catfishes), subfamily: Leptoglaninae
Max. size:  2.62 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater; pH range: 7.1
Distribution:  Africa: Ruhuhu River drainage, Lake Malawi, in Tanzania (Ref. 78218, 86935).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 1-1; Dorsal soft rays (total): 6-6; Anal soft rays: 12-12; Vertebrae: 34-34. Distinguished from all other congeners, except Zaireichthys heterurus, by having 6 pectoral-fin rays. Can be diagnosed also from other species by its 7/7 caudal-fin rays (Ref. 78218).
Biology:  Inhabits muddy brownish and fast flowing water with substrate consisting of muddy sections, areas of sand and stony to rocky regions including the bank zones (Ref. 78218).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 19 July 2018 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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