Amphilius atesuensis Boulenger, 1904
Amphilius atesuensis
photo by Mody, K.

Family:  Amphiliidae (Loach catfishes), subfamily: Amphiliinae
Max. size:  9.3 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater; pH range: 6.5 - 7.69999980926514; dH range: 10 - 20
Distribution:  Africa: St. John River in Liberia to the Mono River in Togo (Ref. 57128). Also recorded from the upper Lofa (Guinea), Cross (Nigeria) and BaoulĂ© (upper Niger basin, Mali)(Ref. 57128). Report from Sewa River in Guinea (Ref. 3818, 13331) unconfirmed in Ref. 57128.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): -0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7; Anal spines: -0; Anal soft rays: 7-9. Diagnosis: head short; eyes in dorsal position, at about midpoint of head length; barbels long and slender, extending beyond hind margin of head; branchiostegal membrane deeply notched; predorsal distance (=distance from head to dorsal fin) over 20% of standard length; dorsal-fin base above, or slightly ahead of pelvic-fin insertions; fins rounded, their principal simple ray shorter than the adjacent branched rays; a long urogenital papilla in males, its length over 5% of standard length; caudal peduncle short and deep; caudal fin slightly forked (Ref. 57128). Description: 6+7 principal caudal fin rays (Ref. 57128) Coloration: characteristic colour pattern of large brown or black blotches and 4-5 paler cross-bars on back; lower sides mottled, belly light; black cross-bar on distal half of dorsal-fin rays; other fins clear; tips of caudal-fin lobes black; black band before eyes, not always visible (Ref. 57127).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 30 April 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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