Notoglanidium akiri

The Akiri catfish, <em>Notoglanidium akiri</em>, is a freshwater species belonging to the family Claroteidae, a group of claroteid catfishes distributed across African river systems. This species is typically a small benthic fish, reaching a recorded maximum length of approximately 10.7 cm, and inhabits the bottom zones of rivers and streams where it often seeks shelter among submerged debris, rocks, and organic substrate. Like other members of the family Claroteidae, <em>Notoglanidium akiri</em> is generally nocturnal in habit, emerging after dark to forage for invertebrates, detritus, and small food items along the riverbed. The species is thought to prefer calm or slow-moving freshwater environments with soft substrate, though specific microhabitat preferences have not been extensively documented. Details of habitat and range for this species remain limited in the ichthyological literature. The genus <em>Notoglanidium</em> encompasses a small number of species that are largely understudied compared to more commercially prominent African catfishes. <em>Notoglanidium akiri</em> is not currently assessed for conservation status, meaning insufficient data exist to evaluate population trends or threats. Further fieldwork and taxonomic study are needed to clarify the distribution, ecology, and systematic position of this species within the Claroteidae family.