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Microsynodontis christyi Boulenger, 1920

Image contributors to this species:

Hippocampus Bildarchiv (1) Nathan Cook (1)

ScotCat Sources:

Other Sources:

Relevant Information:

Description: Absence of a light-coloured band encircling the nape. Distinguished from Microsynodontis batesiii in having deeper caudal pedunce 10.0-11.8% SL. There is some needed work to be done on this genera as identification to species can sometimes be problematic. Some of the species posses a rounded as well as a forked caudal fin which is unique to this family. Aquarium Care: Not too difficult to keep as long as the water quality is kept up to a good standard. Diet: will eat most aquarium fare such as flake, tablet food and frozen bloodworm. These catfishes will rarely appear out during the day but may venture out for food in early evening. Etymology: In honour of Cuthbert Christy (1863-1932), physician (specializing in sleeping sickness), zoologist, explorer, and Director of the Congo Museum (Tervuren, Belgium), who collected type. Remarks: Ng (2004h: 2) stated that Microsynodontis christyi should be treated as valid, but provided no further comments. The BMNH syntype of M. christyi has had an incorrect jar label, with the registration number listed as BMNH 1919.9.10.381.

Common Name:

Pretty Woman Dwarf Synodontis

Synonyms:

Microsynodontis batesii

Family:

Mochokidae

Distribution:

Africa: Ntem River basin, southern Cameroon and northern Gabon, and Campo. Ivindo, Lobé, Nyong and Sanaga River basins, southern and central Cameroon. Type locality: Poko, Congo Belge.

Size:

6.0cm. (2½ins)

Temp:

22-26°C (71-79°F)

p.H.

6.5-7.5.

IUCN Red List

The species is widespread or without major threats throughout the Central Africa assessment region and is assessed as Least Concern, but needs updating (IUCN 2010).

Reference:

Ferraris, C.J. Jr., 2007. Checklist of catfishes, recent and fossil (Osteichthyes: Siluriformes), and catalogue of siluriform primary types. Zootaxa 1418:1-628.
Moelants, T. 2010. Microsynodontis christyi. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2010.
Ng, H.H., 2004. The Microsynodontis (Teleostei: Siluriformes: Mochokidae) of the lower Guinea region, west central Africa, with the description of eight new species. Zootaxa 531:1-52.
The ETYFish Project. Fish Name Etymology Database © Christopher Scharpf.

Family: Mochokidae Back to Ident-A-Cat Click on Thumbnails

Microsynodontis christyi

Microsynodontis christyi

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