Golden Mudfeeder

📖 Overview

A gregarious, predominantly benthic species found in Lake Ejagham; present in all habitats and at all depths, but most common inshore, to 3 m, than in deeper zones . The species is a detritivore, taking detritus from both soft and hard substrates as well as from the water surface . Presence of numerous juveniles in the dry season, January-February, suggests that reproduction takes place predominantly in the rainy season, August-September . Males do not vigorously defend courtship territories with a bower; in aquaria Sarotherodon knauerae are maternal mouth brooders .

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 15 - 16; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13 - 14; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 10 - 12. Diagnosis: Sarotherodon knauerae is distinguished from all congeners by the possession of an inflated second pharyngobranchial element in the upper pharyngeal jaw, and is one of the smallest known Sarotherodon, reaching a maximum observed size of only 75.2 mm standard length . It further differs from sympatric Sarotherodon lamprechti in possessing a terminal, vs. prognathous, mouth; scaled pectoral fin base; short pectoral fins ending at or in front of anus, vs. reaching first anal fin-spine or beyond; and short pelvic fins ending well in front of anus, vs. reaching anus; additionally, S. knauerae possesses a shorter upper lip, 19.1–25.4% of head length vs. 22.5–28.4%, a higher total gill raker count, 24–30 vs. 20–25, and larger eyes, 24.0–31.2% of head length vs. 20.4–29.2% . It is distinguished from neighbouring riverine S. galilaeus populations from Cross, Wouri and Lower Niger rivers, S. g. multifasciatus and S. g. borkuanus by a shorter anal fin, 12.0–14.6% of standard length vs. 15.3–19.3%, 15.1–25.7% and 13.4–17.9% respectively; and narrower caudal peduncle, 12.8–14.5% of standard length vs. 16.0–18.7%, 13.9–18.3% and 13.6–17.4% respectively . It differs from S. caroli and S. linnellii in higher gill raker counts, 24–30 vs. 18–20 and 15–18 respectively; from S. g. sanagaensis in a lower preorbital depth, 17.8–23.0% of head length vs. 25.0–27.8%; and from S. g. boulengeri and riverine Sarotherodon galilaeus in a lower body depth, 36.5–43.9% of standard length vs. 44.5–50.0% and 43.5–44.6% respectively . Finally it differs from all other Lake Barombi Mbo Sarotherodon in a higher number of dorsal fin-rays, 13-14 vs. 10–12 . : short and / or deep.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Golden Mudfeeder is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Golden Mudfeeder is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

In aquaria Sarotherodon knauerae are maternal mouth brooders .

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; benthopelagic, usually 0 - 3 m . Tropical; 6°N - 5°N, 8°E - 9°E

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🌐 Names & Taxonomy

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

🗺️ Global Occurrence Map

Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 1 records indexed .

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