Procatopus nototaenia, but I do not know anymore where I caught this one. It must have been in 2006 or 2007, on one of my first trips to Cameroon." - Michel Keijman 2024
Could this be a true Procatopus nototaenia?
That question keeps lingering. As Jouke van der Zee has pointed out on several occasions, Cameroon still harbours an astonishing number of undescribed Procatopus species. And every journey through this country seems to confirm that statement yet again.
Time and time again I am amazed by the sheer diversity within this genus — subtle but consistent differences in colour pattern, body shape, and markings, often varying from stream to stream. But this inevitably leads to the key question: who will take on this enormous task? Who will study, compare, and ultimately describe all these forms in a scientific framework?
There is no doubt — it is a monumental undertaking. Yet at the same time, it is a dream project, one that could profoundly reshape our understanding of Procatopus diversity, evolution, and biogeography. One thing is certain: whatever emerges from this work will be truly fascinating.
What do you think?
A new species, a local variant — or truly nototaenia? - ibid, 2026
