Until recently only two species of Auchenoglanis were recognized as vaild: A. biscutatus from the Nile and the whole of West Africa and A. occidentalis from Central Africa. But in 2010 the genus was revised by Retzer, who accepted a total of 8 different species, 7 already described formerly and one new species, namely A. senegali.
The species from the Niger, which we import, looks most similar to A. wittei from the Congo, but according to Retzer the Auchenoglanis from the Niger belongs most probably to a still scientifically undescribed species. For the reasons mentioned above the fish is listed on our stocklist as Auchenoglanis biscutatus.
All Auchenoglanis can grow to a length of more than 40 cm, but as they feed mainly on small food particles they are usually very peaceful against even much smaller tankmates. The meaty lips that serve for the detection for food in mud led to the nickname “kissing mouths” for Auchenoglanis in aquaristic circles.
For our customers: the fish have code 100212 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
