What is this little giraffe?

[DucRx]

I'm looking for another large growing Auchenoglanis occidentalis like I had years ago. I've been offered this little guy but he looks a little off to me. What species do you think he is?

[Viktor Jarikov]

This one's for Birger but maybe anyone else?

The genus appears to be in limbo?
http://www.planetcatfish.com/forum/view ... is#p268875
http://www.planetcatfish.com/forum/view ... hp?t=31262
http://www.planetcatfish.com/forum/view ... hp?t=33191

[N0body Of The Goat]

The mottling on the head and on the body "giraffe spots" reminds me of when my one was ~10cm SL or so, now days away from being 3 years since buying him/her and ~30cm SL or so, this same catfish normally has has a uniform creamy brown head and body with just a small section of quite sharply defined "giraffe spots" on the sides of its belly.

Given the above and how its growth rate dramatically slowed after something like ~20 months (it might still be growing, but the growth rate from a ~4cm SL baby to ~25cm SL was incredible, moving to my 6-foot tank at ~12cm SL by ~10 months of owning), I have very provisionally assigned my Giraffe as being Auchenoglanis tchadiensis without posting what few photos I currently have of him/her on PlanetCatfish to date.

But these catfish are not that easy to identify without close inspection and I believe a lot has to do with the barbel colours and the shape of the adipose fin IIRC, while I am very much an amateur fishkeeper of just over 5 years, many on here have far more knowledge and experience to draw on. ;)

[Birger]

DucRx this Auchenoglanis looks to be

Auchenoglanis senegali

The last couple of years they have often been imported.

The interesting thing about this species is that it is thought to stay small compared to most Auchenoglanis species, we have no proof of them growing past 12 inches TL, I have 2 myself that do not have the explosive growth of the larger species.
Senegali is probably one of the easier to identify due to its bodies spotted pattern , color and the spotting pattern in the caudal fin.

See also the COTM written on the species...http://www.planetcatfish.com/cotm/cotm. ... cle_id=488

If you wish for another large Auchenoglanis this may not be the one.

Birger

[DucRx]

I appreciate the input.