Spotted Sand Catlet

Diagnosis: This species differs from Zaireichthys lacustris and Z. maravensis in possessing a premaxillary tooth patch that is less than 40% of the mouth width; it has shorter barbels than Z. wamiensis, maxillary barbel 0.9-1.3 in head length vs. 0.7-0.9; and it is distinguished from Z. compactus by higher number of branched pectoral-fin rays, 7 vs. 6 (Ref. 86935).Description: Lateral line moderate, ending over middle or anterior part of anal fin base (Ref. 86935). Head broad and depressed; snout blunt; eye moderate; mouth narrow; barbels relatively short (Ref. 86935). Dorsal fin II,5-6; caudal fin slightly emarginate, with the lower lobe a little longer than the upper, the upper and lower lobes each with 7 or 8 branched rays; anal fin with 11-13 rays, the first 3-4 simple; pectoral fins with 7 branched rays (Ref. 86935). Premaxillary tooth patch narrow, less than 40% of mouth width, sub-rectangular; humeral process of cleithrum extending to between level of end of supraoccipital process and base of dorsal fin; branchiostegal rays 6-7 (Ref. 86935).Colouration: Preserved: generally yellowish brown with a series of about nine faint dark blotches along centre of flank and traces of additional series above and below (Ref. 86935).

Dorsal spines (total): 2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 5 - 6; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 11 - 13; Vertebrae: 35 - 38

Frequency of occurrence in Caprivi: occasionally on rocky streams (Ref. 037065). Inhabits fairly shallow water (Ref. 13337). Occurs over sand, usually buried with just the eyes protruding. Feeds on minute organisms.

Inhabits fairly shallow water (Ref. 13337). Occurs over sand, usually buried with just the eyes protruding. Feeds on minute organisms. Eggs few (12-16) and large (3-5 mm diameter) suggesting possible parental care (Ref. 7248).

fisheries: of potential interest; aquarium: potential