Relatively large growing species
which will require a large tank. Similar to S.
filamentosus but this
species lacks the stripe markings in the caudal fin.
Description: The front edges of the
dorsal fins and the pectoral fins of Synodontis
species are hardened into stiff spines. In S.
courteti, the spine of the dorsal fin is about
half the length of the head, smooth in the front.
The remaining portion of the dorsal fin is made up
of seven branching rays. The spine of the pectoral
fin is a little stronger and longer than the dorsal
spine, and serrated on both sides and the adipose
fin is three times as long as it is deep. The anal
fin contains four unbranched and nine branched rays
and the tail, or caudal fin, is moderately forked.
All members of the genera Synodontis have
a structure called a premaxillary toothpad, which
is located on the very front of the upper jaw of the
mouth. This structure contains several rows of short,
chisel-shaped teeth. In S. courteti, the
toothpad forms a short and broad band. On the lower
jaw, or mandible, the teeth of Synodontis
are attached to flexible, stalk-like structures and
described as "s-shaped" or "hooked".
The number of teeth on the mandible is used to differentiate
between species; in S. courteti, there are
13 to 17 teeth on the mandible. The shape and size
of the humeral process helps to identify the species.
In S. courteti, the humeral process is much
longer than it is broad, without a ridge on the bottom
edge, and sharply pointed. Aquarium Care:
Best in a group. No problem as long as you keep them
in large enough tanks as they can grow large. Diet:
Will eat a variety of foods and as in most members
of this genus they are not a problem to feed. Tablet
and pellet foods with a good quality flake, frozen
bloodworms and some veg foods such as cucumber and
courgette. Etymology: The specific
name courteti: In honour of French soldier
Henri Courtet (1858–1912), member of 1902–1903
French expedition to the region between Ubangi River
and Lake Chad, during which the holotype was collected.
Common
Name:
None
Synonyms:
Synodontis thomasi
Family:
Mochokidae
Distribution:
Africa:
Chad and Niger basins, including the Bénoué.
Type Locality: Fort-Archambault (Chari)
[Soudan]
Size:
35.0cm. (14ins)
Temp:
22-25°C (71-77°F)
p.H.
6.5-8.0.
IUCN
Red List
The
species is recorded from the basins of the Chad and
Niger (including the Benue). It is widespread with no
major threats and is therefore assessed as Least
Concern (IUCN 2020).
Reference:
Awaïss, A., Lalèyè,
P. & Olaosebikan, B.D. 2020. Synodontis
courteti. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
2020.
Boulenger, George Albert (1909). Catalogue
of the fresh-water fishes of Africa in the British
museum (Natural history). London: British Museum.
pp. 441–442. Froese, R. and D. Pauly.
Editors. 2009. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic
publication. www.fishbase.org, version (09/2009).
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