Zaireichthys mandevillei (Poll 1959)

Diagnosis: Zaireichthys mandevillei differs from all other members of the genus Zaireichthys, except Z. zonatus, in the small eye, which is 12 times in the head length, compared with the range of 4.1-7.4 in the other species; it differs from Z. zonatus in the shape of the caudal fin, which is forked in Z. mandevillei and rounded in Z. zonatus (Ref. 86935).Description: Most slender-bodied and perhaps the smallest species of Zaireichthys (Ref. 51287). Entire dorsal surface of head with longitudinally oriented, interrupted ridges; snout more pointed than in other Zaireichthys species; eyes small; barbels attenuate, maxillary barbel extending posteriorly to middle of pectoral fin spine (Ref. 51287). Pectoral fin spine elongate, with 7-9 strong serrae; caudal fin forked, lower lobe larger and longer than upper lobe; number of principal caudal fin rays: 6+5 (Ref. 51287). Caudal peduncle very slender (Ref. 51287). Humeral process very short, without denticulations (Ref. 51287).Colouration: Colour spotted, with a prominent dark collar just behind head (Ref. 51287).

It is confined to sandy reaches of the mainstream of the Congo River and its largest tributaries (Ref. 51287).

It is confined to sandy reaches of the mainstream of the Congo River and its largest tributaries (Ref. 51287).

Zaireichthys mandevillei is a species of loach catfish found in the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo where it is found in the Congo River Basin. It grows to a length of 2.6 cm and has a broad, black collar just behind the head and a spotted colour pattern. The barbels are attenuate, with the maxillary barbels extending posteriorly to middle to end of the pectoral fin spine and the caudal peduncle is slender. The humeral process of the pectoral girdle is short and without denticulations. The caudal fin is deeply forked, with the upper lobe much shorter and smaller than the lower lobe; also, the fin rays in lower lobe noticeable thicker than those in upper lobe.