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Synodontis guttatus Günther, 1865

Image contributors to this species:

Boulenger 1911 (Line Drawing 1)

ScotCat Sources:

Other Sources:

Relevant Information:

Description: Like all members of the genus Synodontis, S. guttatus has a strong, bony head capsule that extends back as far as the first spine of the dorsal fin. The head contains a distinct narrow, bony, external protrusion called a humeral processand the shape and size of the humeral process helps to identify the species. In S. guttatus, the humeral process is rough, much longer than it is broad, and pointed at the end. All members of the Synodontis genera 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. guttatus, the toothpad forms a broad crescent-shaped 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. guttatus, there are about 30 teeth on the mandible. Colouration: The base body colour is brown, and the body is covered with small, round dark spots. Aquarium Care: Would need a very large aquarium befitting a large river species. Would be better housed in a Public Aquaria setting. Remarks: Listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species due to its limited location.

Common Name:

None

Synonyms:

Synodontis guttata

Family:

Mochokidae

Distribution:

Africa: Lower Niger basin. Type locality: Niger.

Size:

65.0cm. (26ins)

Temp:

23-26°C (73-79°F)

p.H.

6.5-7.2.

Reference:

Awaïss, A. & Lalèyè, P. 2010. Synodontis guttatus. In: IUCN 2012. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2012.1.
Boulenger, George Albert (1909). Catalogue of the fresh-water fishes of Africa in the British museum (Natural history). London: British Museum. pp. 447–448.
Cuvier, Georges (1934). The Animal Kingdom Arranged in Conformity with its Organization, Volume 10. Translated by Griffith, Edward. London: Whittaker and Co. p. 406.
Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2011. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication. www.fishbase.org, version.

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

Synodontis guttatus

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