Gymnallabes typus • Clariidae • Cat-eLog • PlanetCatfish

Stamp

Cat-eLog Data Sheet

Scientific Name

Gymnallabes typus Günther, 1867 - add this species to your "My Cats" page.

Common Name(s)

Flat Head Eel Catfish

Type Locality

West Africa, probably Old Calabar.

Synonym(s)

Clariallabes longicaudatus

Pronunciation

tee pess

Etymology

Gymnallabes: From the Greek, gymnos, meaning hidden and allabes, the name of a Nilotic fish (a kind of lamprey); in reference to the shape and nature of the fish. The Latin specific epithet typus means model or example, in allusion to the fact that this distinctive species was the only one known when described.

Species Information

Size

250mm (9.8") SL

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Identification

Distinguished by the extremely elongate body, reduced cranial shield, confluent median fins, small eyes and presence of pelvic fins.

Habitat Information

Distribution

West Africa: lower course and delta of the Niger River and Cross River basin in Nigeria. Also known from Cameroon.
African Waters, Nigeria Rivers, Niger, Lower Niger (click on these areas to find other species found there)
African Waters, Cross (click on these areas to find other species found there)

5.8 - 7.0

Temperature

22.0-27.0°C or 71.6-80.6°F (Show others)

Other Parameters

Sensitive to bad water.

Husbandry Information

Feeding

Will take all manner of pelleted food, as well as frozen/live food (the latter being preferred).

Furniture

Provide plenty of driftwood for the fish to hide. Ensure that the tank cover is tight-fitting/weighed down, they are capable of climbing out.

Compatibility

A peaceful fish that is best suited for the West African biotope tank. Ideal tankmates include mid-sized African barbs, tetras, and cichlids.

Breeding

Not reported.

Further Information

References

Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (Ser. 3)v. 20 (no. 116) - pp111 [3] - Pl. 2 (fig. A)

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(1) Silurus, (2) lordotterby, (3) The-Wolf, (4) malawiman1.
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