Mastacembelus Apectoralis
📖 Overview
Overview information for Mastacembelus Apectoralis is currently being compiled by our editorial team.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 32 - 34; Dorsal soft rays (total): 58 - 69; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 66 - 67; Vertebrae: 77 - 80. Diagnosis: Mastacembelus apectoralis differs from all other mastacembelid species by the absence of pectoral fins . It is endemic to Lake Tanganyika and is placed within the Lake Tanganyika species flock; it differs from other members of this radiation by a near absence of scales, present only on the margin of the caudal peduncle and between caudal-fin rays, a very short rostral appendage and well-developed adductor mandibulae muscles forming a distinctive head shape; the lack of pigmentation distinguishes this species from all other Tanganyikan species, with the exception of M. micropectus and M. cunningtoni, although the latter species has a distinctive dark spot on the caudal and pectoral fins; both M. apectoralis and its sister species, M. micropectus, lack teeth on the palatine; Mastacembelus apectoralis has 32-34 dorsal spines, and based on this count, is distinguished from five other species in the Lake Tanganyika flock, M. platysoma, M. zebratus, M. polli, M. cunningtoni and M. moorii, which have fewer spines, 21-29; however, all other Lake Tanganyika species have overlapping spine count ranges, 24-38, at least in part with that of M. apectoralis; vertebral counts of M. apectoralis, 77-80, are in the region of those of M. micropectus and M. albomaculatus, are greater than M. zebratus, but are lower than other Tanganyikan species . : eel-like; Cross section: circular.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Mastacembelus Apectoralis is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Mastacembelus Apectoralis is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Mastacembelus Apectoralis is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic; depth range 3 - 7 m . Tropical
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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