Monsembula catfish

📖 Overview

Monsembula catfish (Clarias monsembulai), first described by Bernt & Stiassny, 2022 is a medium-sized fish in the family Clariidae (order Siluriformes). Adults typically reach 24.40 cm in maximum length. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Tropical waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator.

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal soft rays (total): 78 - 86; Anal soft rays: 53 - 64; Vertebrae: 58 - 61. Diagnosis: Clarias monsembulai can be distinguished from all congeners, with the exception of C. buthupogon, by its exceptionally long maxillary barbels, 60% of standard length or greater, vs. maxillary barbels less than 60% of standard length, usually considerably less . It differs from C. buthupogon in the absence of fine, pale spots over the surface of the body and by an exposed bony surface of the cleithrum reaching 14-20% of head length, vs. cleithrum deeply imbedded in soft tissue with only a narrow bony ridge visible externally . Clarias monsembulai can be further differentiated from C. angolensis, the species with which it shares closest phenotypic similarity, by longer nasal barbels, 37-51% of standard length vs. 22-34%; longer internal mandibular barbels, 29-37% of standard length vs. 16-27%; longer external mandibular barbels, 45-57% of standard length vs. 24-40%; and by the colouration of maxillary barbels which are white or cream-coloured distally over more than half of their length vs. brown or grey over more than half their length .

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Monsembula catfish is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

🥚 Reproduction

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; benthopelagic. Tropical

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

👥 Community & Contribute