''Pareutropius debauwi'' is a species that belong to the Order Actinopterygii, ray-finned fished, and can be placed in the

Schilbeidae Schilbeidae is a family of catfishes native to Africa and Asia. These fish tend to swim in open water. Schilbid catfishes usually have dorsal fins with a short base and a spine, but '' Parailia'' lack a dorsal fin altogether. Most species also ...

family, Schilbid catfishes. This family includes 9 genera and 46 species. The common name for ''Pareutropius debauwi'' is the African glass

catfish Catfish (or catfishes; order Siluriformes or Nematognathi) are a diverse group of ray-finned fish. Named for their prominent barbels, which resemble a cat's whiskers, catfish range in size and behavior from the three largest species alive ...

Etymology & Taxonomic History

The name of the

genus Genus ( plural genera ) is a taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of living and fossil organisms as well as viruses. In the hierarchy of biological classification, genus comes above species and below family. In binomial nom ...

is derived from the Greek words ''par, eu,'' and ''tropis,'' which respectively translate to “beside or near”, “well”, and “keel”. This is in reference to the families compressed body form. The

species In biology, a species is the basic unit of classification and a taxonomic rank of an organism, as well as a unit of biodiversity. A species is often defined as the largest group of organisms in which any two individuals of the appropriate s ...

name is derived from the Latin work ''vittatus,'' which loosely translates to “covered with stripes.” This refers to the color and pattern found on this species.

Physical Description

''Pareutropius debauwi'' are silver in color. A single dorsal spine is present with up to six total dorsal soft rays. Seven to eight branchiostegal rays are present on one side of the head. A single pair of mandibular

barbels In fish anatomy and turtle anatomy, a barbel is a slender, whiskerlike sensory organ near the mouth. Fish that have barbels include the catfish, the carp, the goatfish, the hagfish, the sturgeon, the zebrafish, the black dragonfish and some s ...

are present. A single mid-lateral band is present across the body. No dark spots on caudal fin lobes but band continues onto

caudal fin Fins are distinctive anatomical features composed of bony spines or rays protruding from the body of a fish. They are covered with skin and joined together either in a webbed fashion, as seen in most bony fish, or similar to a flipper, as ...

. The base of the anal fin is marked by a small, dark line.

Distribution & Habitat

This species is native to Africa and is spread throughout

Angola , national_anthem = " Angola Avante"() , image_map = , map_caption = , capital = Luanda , religion = , religion_year = 2020 , religion_ref = , coordina ...

, the Republic of the Congo,

Democratic Republic of the Congo The Democratic Republic of the Congo (french: République démocratique du Congo (RDC), colloquially "La RDC" ), informally Congo-Kinshasa, DR Congo, the DRC, the DROC, or the Congo, and formerly and also colloquially Zaire, is a country in ...

, and

Gabon Gabon (; ; snq, Ngabu), officially the Gabonese Republic (french: République gabonaise), is a country on the west coast of Central Africa. Located on the equator, it is bordered by Equatorial Guinea to the northwest, Cameroon to the nort ...

. This species can be found in shallow water systems. ''Pareutropius debauwi'' are a freshwater species, specifically found in tropical waters. ''Pareutropius debauwi'' are a riverine species that can be found in large and small moderate water systems.

Biology & Behavior

''Pareutropius debauwi'' are

omnivores An omnivore () is an animal that has the ability to eat and survive on both plant and animal matter. Obtaining energy and nutrients from plant and animal matter, omnivores digest carbohydrates, protein, fat, and fiber, and metabolize the nut ...

, with some being carnivorous for insects. Mating behavior includes distinct pairing. Reproduction cycles coincide with flood periods. Females tend to be larger than males and have a rounded, short genital papilla. ''Pareutropius debauwi'' are an oviparous species. Eggs are unguarded and have no parental care. Are strongly diurnal and are a schooling species. Members within this species can reach up to 15 cm in length. The expected lifespan for this species is around eight years.

Aquarium Life

''Pareutropius debauwi'' should be kept in a large group, with up to at least ten other ''debauwi''. This species is extremely active that requires a spacious environment with dimmed lighting. The water should resemble a moderate current with temperatures between 23ºC to 26ºC. The species are most comfortable in neutral waters consisting of a pH around 6.5 to 7.5. The diet should consist of a mixture of flakes, granulate and frozen foods.

Daphnia ''Daphnia'' is a genus of small planktonic crustaceans, in length. ''Daphnia'' are members of the order Anomopoda, and are one of the several small aquatic crustaceans commonly called water fleas because their saltatory swimming style resembl ...

mosquito larvae Mosquitoes (or mosquitos) are members of a group of almost 3,600 species of small flies within the family Culicidae (from the Latin ''culex'' meaning "gnat"). The word "mosquito" (formed by ''mosca'' and diminutive ''-ito'') is Spanish for "lit ...

brine shrimp ''Artemia'' is a genus of aquatic crustaceans also known as brine shrimp. It is the only genus in the family Artemiidae. The first historical record of the existence of ''Artemia'' dates back to the first half of the 10th century AD from Urmia L ...

are ideal foods. Breeding ''Pareutropius debauwi'' in a home aquarium is not recommended but can be done under specific conditions.

Conservation & Threats

''Pareutropius debauwi'' is widespread and faces no serious threats.

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q3758128 Pareutropius Fish described in 1900