Euchilichthys guentheri
Last revised 2026Edit this page
On this page11 sections
Quick factsEdit
Difficulty4 of 8 measures
- Space
- large tank
- Water
- needs a steady pH
- Temp
- needs a steady temperature
- Diet
- unknown
- Temperament
- peaceful
- Social
- unknown
- Compatibility
- unknown
Other demands
Each of these can raise the rating on its own, whatever the measures above say.
- Hardiness
- unknown
Euchilichthys guentheri is a mochokid catfish from the Democratic Republic of Congo, where it inhabits fast-flowing areas of rivers. It is very rare in the hobby. It is told apart from similar Chiloglanis species by its elliptical mouthparts and larger adult size, reaching 19 cm. It needs strong flow and well-oxygenated water, and becomes territorial with conspecifics as it matures.
Distribution
EditHabitat
Write a noteEditInhabits fast flowing areas of rivers.
Aquarium size
Write a noteEdit120 ∗ 30 ∗ 30 cm48 ∗ 12 ∗ 12 in - ~108 litres~29 US gal.
Maintenance
Write a noteEditThe aquarium should have a fine gravel or sand substrate and a scattering of smooth rocks of varying sizes. Pieces of driftwood can be used to provide areas of shelter. Water flow should be strong and the water well oxygenated. The use of powerheads is recommended. Plants are not essential although algal growth should not be discouraged. It will not thrive in aquaria with low water movement or poor oxygenation.
Water conditions
EditTemperature: 23 – 27 °C73 – 81 °F
pH: 6.4-7.4
Hardness: 3-10 dH
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Diet
Write a noteEditIt's an omnivorous species and will accept small live and frozen foods such as daphnia, brineshrimp or bloodworm as well as greenstuffs in the form of cucumber slices, algae wafers etc.
Behaviour and compatibility
Write a noteEditA relatively peaceful species that mixes well with other rheophilic species. Good tankmates include Alestiid tetras, Nannocharax, fast water Synodontis such as S. brichardi and cichlids such as Steatocranus and the South American Teleocichla species. Although it can be kept in groups when juvenile it becomes territorial with conspecifics as it matures.
Sexual dimorphism
Write a noteEditUnknown.
Reproduction
Write a noteEditUnrecorded in aquaria.
Notes
EditThis is one of only 4 described species of Euchilichthys (although more have been discovered) and is very rare in the hobby. It can be distinguished from similar Chiloglanis species by its elliptical (as opposed to circular) mouthparts and larger adult size. Unlike the South American Loricariids, it lacks armoured scuting on the body.
Species images · 1
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Also missing: taxonomic authority, a common name, etymology.
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