Mochokus niloticus Joannis, 1835

Family:  Mochokidae (Squeakers or upside-down catfishes), subfamily: Mochokinae
Max. size:  6.5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater; pH range: 6.80000019073486 - 7.5; dH range: 15, potamodromous
Distribution:  Africa: basis of the Niger, Chad (Ref. 57223) and Nile (Ref. 3202, 28714).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 1-1. Diagnosis: body elongate and slender, its depth comprised 5.4-6.3 times in standard length; head as long as broad, its dorsal surface rough; maxillary barbels non-membranous and unbranched, up to 2 times longer than head; mandibular barbels with long, simple ramifications; humeral process long, slender and pointed; 1st dorsal-fin spine weakly denticulate on anterior margin; 2nd dorsal fin with 10-13 rays; pectoral-fin spines more strongly denticulate on inner than on outer margin; caudal fin deeply forked, its lobes equally long (Ref. 57223). Coloration: ground colour yellowish or ochre, with brown or blackish marbled areas, largest 2 below 1st and 2nd dorsal fins respectively; fins covered with brown or black dots; 1st dorsal fin with transversally aligned spots (Ref. 57223).
Biology:  Oviparous (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 06 May 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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