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Synodontis macrostigma Boulenger, 1911

Image contributors to this species:

Frants Lehmann (1 Stamp) Poll, M. 1967 Contribution à la faune ichthyologique de l'Angola (1) SAIAB (2) Joe Cutler (1)

ScotCat Sources:

Other Sources:

Relevant Information:

The common and specific names points to the body markings of this small species, large spots. Description: It possess a small adipose fin a thickset body and a short snout. The caudal fin is not deep and the humeral process is obtusely pointed. Habitat: Prefers slow-flowing and floodplain environments, where it is usually common. Colouration: Yellowish with characteristic large dark brown or black spots. The underside has smaller spots or is plain. The maxillary barbels have a dark basal membrane and a papilose leading edge. Etymology: The specific name macrostigma: makrós, long or large; stígma, mark or spot, referring to large round or oval blackish spots on back and sides. Remarks: Jubb 1967, first intimated that S. woosnami Boulenger, 1911 which was thought to be a species in its own right from the upper Zambezi and Okavango systems should be made a synonym of S. macrostigma.

Common Name:

Largespot squeaker

Synonyms:

Synodontis schall, Synodontis woosnami

Family:

Mochokidae

Distribution:

Africa: Cunene, Okavango, upper Zambezi and Kafue systems.

Size:

15.0cm. (6ins)

Temp:

22-26°C (71-80°F)

p.H.

6.5-7.2.

IUCN Red List

The Synodontis species of the Upper Zambezi/Okavango systems are widespread and not under any immediate threat. Taxonomy must be clarified but assessment category will not change so this species has been classified as of Least Concern, but it does need updating (IUCN 2007).

Reference:

Jackson P.B.N. 1961. The Fishes of Northern Rhodesia. 140p.
Marshall, B.E. & Tweddle, D. 2007. Synodontis macrostigma. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2007.
Seegers, L. 2008 The catfishes of Africa. A handbook for identification and maintenance. Aqualog Verlag A.C.S. GmbH, Germany. 604 p.
Skelton, P.H. 1993 A complete guide to the freshwater fishes of southern Africa. Southern Book Publishers. 388 p.
Synodontis macrostigma Boulenger, 1911 collected in Angola by South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity.

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

Synodontis macrostigma
Stamp

Synodontis macrostigma
Line drawing

Synodontis macrostigma
Luacingwa River, Angola

Synodontis macrostigma
Dorsal view-Luacingwa River, Angola

Synodontis macrostigma

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