Cat-eLog Right Amphiliidae Right Leptoglaninae Right Zaireichthys  |  | 

Down Cat-eLog Data Sheet
Scientific Name Zaireichthys compactus  Seegers, 2008
Common Name
Type Locality Rutukira River, tributary of Ruhuhu River, north-eastern Lake Malaei drainage, Tanzania.
Pronunciation za eer ICK thiss
Etymology Zaireichthys: From the Zaire river and the Greek ichthys, meaning fish; in reference to the type of the genus and its collection locality. In reference to the smaller, compact shape of its body in comparison to other members of the genus.
Down Species Information
Size 26mm or 1" SL. Find near, nearer or same sized spp.
Identification The majority of species are small and compact, have a defense mechanism of three ossified spines in the dorsal and pectoral fins,being able to lock them into place which makes the genus different from all other Amphiliidae.

Light brown to yellowish-brown base coloration, lighter towards the belly.Irregular spots on front of body with a row of dots behind the dorsal and on each flanks to the caudal peduncle. Genus typical silvery line are apparent.Lower fins are the color of the body, the upper spotted.The small number of pectoral fin soft rays(6)is a distinguishing factor.
Down Habitat Information
Distribution Africa: Ruhuhu system, Lake Malawi in Tanzania.
IUCN Red List Category Data Deficient, range map and more is available on the IUCN species page. Last assessed 2018.
pH 7.0 - 0.0
Other Parameters In nature lives in what is usually very soft water.
Down Husbandry Information
Furniture In nature the majority of species are found over or in sand in flowing rivers. There is one known lake dwelling species from Lake Malawi which is also found over sand and living in snail shells.
Breeding Unreported in the aquarium.
Breeding Reports There is no breeding report.
Down Further Information
Reference The catfishes of Africa, pp 184 [543], Figs.
Registered Keepers There is no registered keeper.
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Last Update 2020 Oct 17 05:23 (species record created: 2011 Sep 23 20:13)