Synodontis congicus
was the original name for many years, but the gender of the generic
name has been declared feminine, so the name goes back to the original
of congica. Synodontis
congica is similar to another species from the same area, Synodontis
notata. To start of with,
the number of spots on the two species of congicaand notata
does not warrant any attention as they do vary with S. congica
showing 4 spots and 3 spots.The main criteria for
the 2 species is the length of their maxillary barbels (pertaining
to the upper jaw).S. congica has shortmaxillary
barbels reaching back to just after the insertion of the pectoral
fin whereas S. notata has them longer, reaching to nearly
the end of the pectoral fins. S. congica has also a shorter
snout.
Common
Name:
Congo
Synodontis
Synonyms:
Synodontis
congicus
Family:
Mochokidae
blycipitidae
Distribution:
Africa:
Democratic Rep.of the Congo. Congo basin (except
Lower Congo, central basin, Luapula-Moero and High Katanga). Type
locality: Gangala na Bodio, riv. Dungu.