Clarias hilli Fowler, 1936

Family:  Clariidae (Airbreathing catfishes)
Max. size:  19.6 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater
Distribution:  Africa: middle Congo River basin, Lake Albert system and Malagarasi basin (Ref. 248, 78218). Also reported from the lower Lualaba (Ref. 106245).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 76-87; Anal soft rays: 63-69; Vertebrae: 60-64. Head rectangular to oval-shaped dorsally; snout broadly rounded; eyes laterally placed. Frontal fontanelle long and narrow; occipital fontanelle small and oval-shaped. Supraorbital and `dermosphenotic' bones separate but not reduced. Tooth plates broad. Pectoral spine slightly curved; outer side with strong, downward serrations. Gill rakers short and squat, although distantly set. Suprabranchial organ rather primitive. Openings of the secondary sensory canals display a regular pattern.
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 31 March 2021 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:  Present in the middle Congo River basin (Ref. 248, 78218). Also reported from the lower Lualaba (Ref. 106245). Also Ref. 106290.


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