République démocratique du Congo - List of fishes

Altolamprologus calvus is endemic to the southwestern part of Lake Tanganyika. It differs from A. compressiceps with its more pointed head and elongated body. This carnivorous species is specialized in hunting small crustaceans, which it captures by sneaking into crevices and fissures.

It sometimes lives in brackish water. It easily accommodates to life in aquariums, but unfortunately its captive breeding is still impossible.

It has a body allowing it to breathe oxygen from the air and is able to survive in the mud. With its pectoral fins, sturdy and with large thorns, it may leave the water at night in search of prey or of a nesting site. It is used intensively in pisciculture under the name "Claresse". In some countries, it is an invasive species.

It black stripes fade over time. Its reproduction has never been observed in captivity, but accelerated growth experiments were carried out in pisciculture.

It owes its name to the small "horn" located on its lower jaw. The latter has a strategic role, but also a taste role. It captures changes in the electric field to perceive its environment. It also emits electrical discharges that rarely exceed one volt.