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Synodontis polystigma Boulenger, 1915

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Relevant Information:

Habitat: Although there are threats known in the Luapula-Mweru region (overfishing), the species is listed as Least Concern because it has a relatively broad distribution. Colouration: Body is a yellowish/brown colour with round irregularely arranged black spots. The humeral process and all the fins display smaller spots. Reproduction: The reproductive habits of most of the species of Synodontis are not known, beyond some instances of obtaining egg counts from gravid females. Spawning likely occurs during the flooding season between July and October, and pairs swim in unison during spawning. The growth rate is rapid in the first year, then slows down as the fish age. Etymology: The specific name (polystigma) refers to being many spotted. Diet: As a whole, species of Synodontis are omnivores, consuming insect larvae, algae, gastropods, bivalves, sponges, crustaceans, and the eggs of other fishes. Remarks: Not seen very often in the hobby in imports.

Common Name:

None

Synonyms:

None

Family:

Mochokidae

Distribution:

Africa: Upper Lualaba, Lake Mweru and Luapula up to Johnston Falls (upper Congo River basin) in Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia. Type locality: Rivière Luapula, à Kasenga; lac Moero, à Lukonzolwa [restricted to lac Moëro by lectotype designation].

Size:

24.5cm. TL. (9¾ins)

Temp:

21-26°C (69-79°F)

p.H.

6.0-7.5.

Reference:

Ferraris, C.J. Jr., 2007. Checklist of catfishes, recent and fossil (Osteichthyes: Siluriformes), and catalogue of siluriform primary types. Zootaxa 1418:1-628.
Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2019. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication. www.fishbase.org, ( 12/2019 ).
Gosse, J.-P., 1986. Mochokidae. p. 105-152. In J. Daget, J.-P. Gosse and D.F.E. Thys van den Audenaerde (eds.) Check-list of the freshwater fishes of Africa (CLOFFA). ISNB, Brussels, MRAC, Tervuren; and ORSTOM, Paris. Vol. 2.
Moelants, T. 2010. Synodontis polystigma. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2010.
Seegers, L. 2008 The catfishes of Africa. A handbook for identification and maintenance. Aqualog Verlag A.C.S. GmbH, Germany. 604 p.

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

Synodontis polystigma

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