Auchenoglanis is a genus of relatively large, up to 70cm (30inches) SL, claroteid catfishes native to various freshwater habitats in Africa.
Auchenoglanis is a primitive member of the subfamily Auchenoglanidinae (also includes Notoglanidium and Parauchenoglanis) and represents a stem group.
Species of this genus occur predominantly in the Nilo-Sudan region and Western Africa, but also in the Congo River, Lakes Albert and Tanganyika.[1]
Auchenoglanis species mainly feed on insect aquatic larvae and eventually on small mollusks, alevin, and swimming insects. These feeding habits should also enable them to stand a relatively wide range of ecological conditions.
Following a taxonomic review in 1991, only two living species (marked with a star* in the list) were recognized in this genus.[1] This is followed by FishBase. A review in 2010 found that there are six additional species, bringing the total to eight,[2] and this is followed by Catalog of Fishes. Genetic studies indicate that additional, currently unrecognized species exist.[3]
Auchenoglanis is rare in the fossil record compared to other African catfishes. Auchenoglanis includes an extinct species, Auchenoglanis soye from Western Chad.[4] A few other fossils are also attributed to Auchenoglanis with no specific species described.[4]