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Down Cat-eLog Data Sheet
Scientific Name Lophiobagrus brevispinis  Bailey & Stewart, 1984
Common Name Tanganjika Stinging Catfish
Type Locality Lake Tanganyika, 2 kilometers north of Mpulungu, Zambia.
Pronunciation brev EE spin iss
Etymology Lophiobagrus: The name comes from the broad, depressed anterior region of the fish, which reminded Poll of the angler fish (Lophius piscatorius). 
Articles
Article Link - CotM Right 2004 Right February
Down Species Information
Size 62mm or 2.4" SL. Find near, nearer or same sized spp.
Identification Similar to L. cyclurus but L. brevispinnis can be distinguished by the following clues:
- Smaller adult size (7cm male, 5cm female, versus 10 male and 8 female in L. cyclurus; sizes are not exactly to the mm but fairly accurate)
- Much more elongate build.
- Larger eyes that protrude above the head giving a ''frog'' like head profile.
- No clear edges on any fins!


-A rounded caudal fin, instead of truncate like L. cyclurus.
- Lighter overall color; reddish brown with a white belly; instead of wine-red turning to black in L. cyclurus.
Sexing Males are larger. When viewed from above, males have a large, broad head, females a rounded belly. The genital papilla on the female is only obvious near spawning time.
Down Habitat Information
Distribution Lake Tanganyika. Although exported from Burundi, it?s likely to have a lake-wide distribution.
African Waters, Western Rift Valley Lakes, Tanganyika (click on these areas to find other species found there)

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pH 7.4 - 9.0
Temperature 22.0-28.0°C or 71.6-82.4°F (Show species within this range)
Other Parameters Moderately hard (10+ GH). Water should be clean and oxygen-rich, especially when attempting to breed.
Down Husbandry Information
Feeding Readily accepts flake and frozen food, but especially relishes live food such as crustaceans, insect larvae, small fry and worms. User data.
Furniture Lots of rocks and hiding places. Because of Lophiobagrus? digging habits, sand is best for substrate, gravel is not suitable, unless very fine.
Compatibility L. brevispinis is a social fish which should be kept in a small group, but with enough hiding places, at least one for every fish. Single specimens are very shy.
Suggested Tankmates Any not overly aggressive cichlid-species is suitable, and they can be kept with other Tanganyikan catfish like Synodontis or Phyllonemus. When combining with L. cyclurus, make sure there's room and plenty of caves, or the more peaceful L. brevispinis may be harassed by the bigger, more aggressive L. cyclurus.
Breeding Bi-parental cave breeder. Parents show elaborate care for both eggs and fry, and will remove or eat spoiled eggs or dead fry, as well as defend the cave. The fish will remain in a cave for at least three weeks! During that time no food is taken at all. Often the female leaves after two or three weeks due to hunger, leaving the male to complete the rearing of the fry. In aquaria well stocked with cichlids, the female will stay with the male during the whole breeding cycle.
Breeding Reports There is but a single breeding report, read it here.
Down Further Information
Reference Miscellaneous Publications, Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan No. 168, pp 35, Figs. 5c, 6c, 10.
Registered Keepers There are 15 registered keepers, view all "my cats" data.
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There are 3 records of this fish being seen, view them all.
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Last Update 2019 Sep 18 01:01 (species record created: 2001 Apr 21 00:00)