Eastern sand catlet
📖 Overview
Found in flowing water with a sandy substrate; they do not adapt to dams and do not occur in Lake Kariba . They partly bury themselves in the sand, leaving only the head exposed, and snap at particles of food, such as minute aquatic animals .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 6 - 7; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 10 - 12; Vertebrae: 35 - 38. Diagnosis: This species differs from Zaireichthys conspicuus, Z. lacustris and Z. maravensis in the narrow premaxillary tooth patch and the long lateral line, extending beyond base of anal fin; from Z. kunenensis in the narrower premaxillary tooth patch and the greater number of branched caudal rays, 14-16 vs. 11-14; from Z. kavangoensis in the longer lateral line, extending beyond anal fin and usually past adipose vs. above anterior to middle of anal fin; from Z. kafuensis and Z. pallidus in the longer lateral line and the greater number of caudal rays, 14-16 vs. 9-13, and pectoral-fin rays, 7-8 vs. 5-7 . : elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Eastern sand catlet is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic. Tropical widespread in the tributaries of middle and lower Zambezi River, tributaries of Lake Malawi, Pungwe River, Buzi River and Save River (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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