Auchenoglanis occidentalis

(Valenciennes, 1840)

Vernacular names
English : Bubu
French : Poisson-chat girafe

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Siluriformes
Family : Claroteidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach 70 cm in length, rarely more. Elongated head. Maxillary barbel is usually black. Adipose fin with curved back margin. Coloration spotted and mottled brown with variable spot size and color (leopard pattern).

Range and habitat
This species occurs in equatorial Africa, from Senegal, lake Chad and west Africa to upper Nile basin, Congo river system and east African lakes. Lives in muddy rivers and lake bottoms with submerged and fringing vegetation.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species has a huge range and can be quite common except in the northern part of its range where its populations are declining.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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