This genera, which includes
another 8 species are quite difficult to identify,
and on top of this juveniles can have different markings
and colouration to the adult versions. First transferred
into Parauchenoglanis by Skelton in 1993.
Description: Dorsal spines (total): 2; Dorsal
soft rays (total): 7; Anal spines: 0. Diagnosis: occipital
process reaching to first nuchal plate; mouth equal
to snout length; width of premaxillary tooth plate
15% of head length; eye large (14.2% of head length);
pelvic fin short; Colouration: The
coloration of the holotype of P. buettikoferi
was described by Popta (1913) when it had already
been preserved in alcohol for some time. She described
the colour as violet brown. Afterwards the specimen
was stained for bone, such that it is now impossible
to perceive many details of the colour pattern. An
examination of the specimen reveals the apparent presence
of about four large spots on the flank. Habitat:
The holotype of Parauchenoglanis buettikoferi
was collected in the Warri River in the Western Niger
Delta (Nigeria). No other specimens seem to have been
subsequently collected. Aquarium Care:
At present (2022) there is no known record of any
importations. Etymology: The genus
name Parauchenoglanis:
para-, near, referring to similarity and/or close
relationship with Auchenoglanis. The
specific name buettikoferi: in honour of Swiss
zoologist Johann Büttikofer (1850-1927), Director,
Zoological Garden in Rotterdam, who presented type
to the Rijksmuseum van Natuurlijke Historie (Leiden,
Netherlands).
Remarks:
Parauchenoglanis
buettikoferi is classed as critacally
endangered on the IUCN red list (2019). It is known
only from the type locality, with an area of occupancy
(AOO) of 4 km2. It is threatened by oil exploration
and urban and industrial development, which are causing
declines in habitat area and quality.
Common
Name:
None
Synonyms:
Auchenoglanis büttikoferi
Family:
Auchenoglanididae
Distribution:
Africa: Upper
Nigeria; known only from the holotype (Risch, 1986;
Geerinckx et al., 2004). Type locality:
Warri, in Upper Nigeria.
Parauchenoglanis
buettikoferi Holotype-Upper Warri River, Nigeria
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