Phongolo Catlet

Mouth is used as a sucking disc to hold its position in fast flowing waters. Gut length is less than standard length and the mandibular teeth are used to scrape invertebrates from stones.

Oviparous (Ref. 205). Distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205). Is likely to be an interstitial gravel spawner (Ref. 52116).

Dorsal spines (total): 1; Dorsal soft rays (total): 6; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 8

Found in shallow rocky runs and riffles of clear rivers. Feeds on invertebrates such as mayfly nymphs and caddis fly, blackfly or midge larvae grazed from rocks.

Found in shallow rocky runs and riffles of clear rivers, at an altitude of 900-1200 m above sea level, and depths from 0.2 to 0.4 m (Ref. 52116). Feeds on invertebrates such as mayfly nymphs and caddis fly, blackfly or midge larvae grazed from rocks. Oviparous (Ref. 205). Breeds in summer (Ref. 7248). Distribution in southern Africa is restricted and may be threatened by alteration of its habitat (Ref. 52116).

fisheries: minor commercial

Chiloglanis emarginatus, the Phongolo suckermouth, is a species of upside-down catfish native to Eswatini, Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe where it occurs in the Pongola, Komati, Pungwe and the middle to lower Zambezi Rivers. This species grows to a length of 6.5 centimetres (2.6 in) SL. This fish is of minor importance in local fisheries.