Loach Catfish

Loach Catfish

Loach catfishes, Amphiliidae, are a family of catfishes (order Siluriformes). They are widespread in tropical Africa but are most common in streams at high elevations; most species are able to cling to rocks in fast-flowing streams. There are 13 genera and 68 species. Amphiliidae consists of three subfamilies, Amphiliinae, Leptoglanidinae (previously misspelled Leptoglaninae), and Doumeinae. The monophyly of Amphiliidae has been questioned; one author restricts the family to the members of the subfamily Amphiliinae and transferred the other genera to a family Doumeidae.  Amphiliidae has been previously thought to be a basal taxon in the superfamily Loricarioidea, but some authors place its relationships elsewhere. Amphiliids are generally small catfishes with tapering, elongated bodies. The pectoral and ventral fins are large, and the first ray of each is usually broad, flexible, and filamentous. The eyes are generally small and located in the upper part of the head. The gas bladder is reduced and divided into two lobes surrounded by bony capsules.

Loach Catfish

Loach Catfish

Loach Catfish

Loach Catfish

Loach Catfish

Loach Catfish

Loach Catfish

Loach Catfish

Loach Catfish