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Hop to next section All Fishes Data Sheet
Scientific Name Gymnallabes typus  Günther, 1867
Common Names Flat Head Eel Catfish
Fathead Eel Catfish, Vestafrikansk ålemalle (Denmark)
Type Locality West Africa, probably Old Calabar.
Synonym(s) Clariallabes longicaudatus
Pronunciation tee pess
Etymology Gymnallabes: From the Greek, gymnos, meaning hidden and allabes, the name of a Nilotic fish (a kind of lamprey); in reference to the shape and nature of the fish. The Latin specific epithet typus means model or example, in allusion to the fact that this distinctive species was the only one known when described.
Hop to next section Species Information
Size 230mm or 9.1" SL. Find near, nearer or same sized spp.
Identification Unpaired fins continuous, paired fins reduced or absent.

Distinguished by the extremely elongate body, reduced cranial shield, confluent median fins, small eyes and presence of pelvic fins.
Sexing In ventral view especially, females are much broader in the body than males of equal age and rearing practices.
Hop to next section Habitat Information
Distribution West Africa: lower course and delta of the Niger River and Cross River basin in Nigeria. Also known from Cameroon.
African Waters, Nigeria Waters, Niger, Lower Niger (click on these areas to find other species found there)
African Waters, Cross (click on these areas to find other species found there)

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IUCN Red List Category Least Concern, range map and more is available on the IUCN species page. Last assessed 2019.
pH 5.8 - 7.0
Temperature 22.0-27.0°C or 71.6-80.6°F (Show species within this range)
Other Parameters Sensitive to bad water.
Hop to next section Husbandry Information
Feeding Will take all manner of pelleted food, as well as frozen/live food (the latter being preferred). User data.
Furniture Provide plenty of driftwood for the fish to hide. Ensure that the tank cover is tight-fitting/weighed down, they are capable of climbing out.
Compatibility A peaceful fish that is best suited for the West African biotope tank. Ideal tankmates include mid-sized African barbs, tetras, and cichlids.
Breeding Not reported.
Breeding Reports There is no breeding report.
Hop to next section Further Information
Reference Annals and Magazine of Natural History (Series 3) v. 20 (no. 116) (art. 15), pp 111 [3], Pl. 2 (fig. A).
Registered Keepers There is no registered keeper.
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There are 7 records of this fish being seen, view them all.
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Last Update 2021 Sep 01 14:54 (species record created: 2001 Apr 18 00:00)