Phyllonemus brichardi | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Actinopterygii |
Order: | Siluriformes |
Family: | Claroteidae |
Genus: | Phyllonemus |
Species: | P. brichardi
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Binomial name | |
Phyllonemus brichardi
Risch, 1987
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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. [2]
The fish is named in honor of aquarium-fish exporter Pierre Brichard (1921-1990), who collected the type specimen. [3]
It lives under large boulders in shallow water.
It primarily feeds on small invertebrates and fish. [4]
This species reaches a length of 7.8 cm (3.1 in) TL. It has a distinctive appearance, with large eyes, leaf-like tips on its maxillary barbels, and a long adipose fin. [5]
It is also one of the few catfishes that practice mouthbrooding, meaning both parents carry the eggs or young in their mouths for protection. [6]