Phyllonemus brichardi explained

Phyllonemus brichardi also known as kapondo or the spatula-barbeled catfish, is a species of claroteid catfish endemic to Lake Tanganyika.^[1] It is only known from the type locality, which is the eastern shore of the Ubwari Peninsula on the Congo side of Lake Tanganyika.

Etymology

The fish is named in honor of aquarium-fish exporter Pierre Brichard (1921-1990), who collected the type specimen.^[2]

Habitat

It lives under large boulders in shallow water.

Diet

It primarily feeds on small invertebrates and fish.^[3]

Description

This species reaches a length of 7.8cm (03.1inches) TL. It has a distinctive appearance, with large eyes, leaf-like tips on its maxillary barbels, and a long adipose fin.^[4]

Reproduction

It is also one of the few catfishes that practice mouthbrooding, meaning both parents carry the eggs or young in their mouths for protection.^[5]

Notes and References

1. Risch. L.. 1987. Description of four new bagrid catfishes from Africa (Siluriformes: Bagridae). Cybium. 11. 1. 21–38.
2. Web site: Order SILURIFORMES: Families MALAPTERURIDAE, MOCHOKIDAE, SCHILBEIDAE, AUCHENOGLANIDIDAE, CLAROTEIDAE and LACANTUNIIDAE . 8 February 2024 . Christopher Scharpf . Kenneth J. Lazara . amp . The ETYFish Project Fish Name Etymology Database . Christopher Scharpf and Kenneth J. Lazara . 22 September 2018.
3. https://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/features/the-phyllonemus-catfishes/ Genus phyllonemus in Practical Fishkeeping
4. https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/611755-Phyllonemus-brichardi | Phyllonemus brichardi in inaturalist
5. https://www.planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?species_id=2053 |Phyllonemus brichardi in Planet Catfish