Chiloglanis polypogon

African Suckermouth Catfish

Classification

Mochokidae

Distribution

Nigeria and Cameroon.

Habitat

It inhabits fast-flowing hilltop streams.

Maximum Standard Length

2.2″ (5.5cm)

Aquarium SizeTop ↑

18″ x 12″ x 12″ (45cm x 30cm x 30cm) – 40 litres.

Maintenance

The aquarium should have a fine gravel or sand substrate and a scattering of smooth rocks of varying sizes. Pieces of driftwood can be used to provide areas of shelter. Water flow should be strong and the water well oxygenated. It will not thrive in aquariums with low water movement, so the use of a powerhead or two is recommended. Plants are not essential, although algal growth should not be discouraged.

Water Conditions

Temperature: 72-79°F (22-26°C)

pH: 6.5-7.0

Hardness: 3-10 °H

Diet

It’s an omnivorous species and will accept small live and frozen foods such as daphnia, brineshrimp or bloodworm, as well as greenstuffs in the form of cucumber slices, algae wafers etc.

Behaviour and CompatibilityTop ↑

A very peaceful fish that mixes well with other rheophilic species. Good tankmates include Alestiid tetras, Nannocharax, fast water Synodontis such as S. brichardi and cichlids such as Steatocranus and riverine Lamprologines. It’s also peaceful among conspecifics, and a group can be kept in most tanks.

Sexual Dimorphism

Male fish have an elongated genital papilla.

Reproduction

Unknown in aquaria.

NotesTop ↑

This fish belongs to a very distinctive genus of mochokid. There are almost 50 species of Chiloglanis described to science, but most are never imported and even the commoner species, such as this one, are seen only rarely. They are very difficult to identify down to species level, as many are very similar in looks. Some are strongly sexually dimorphic with the males having thickened or enlarged anal and caudal fins. Chiloglanis are also sometimes confused with the other 2 genera of African suckermouthed catfish, Euchilichthys and Atopochilus, but can be differentiated from these by their smaller size and circular (as opposed to elliptical) mouthparts. They can be distinguished from the South American Loricariids by their lack of armoured scuting.

Aquarium care for all species of Chiloglanis is virtually identical.