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Synodontis lufirae Poll, 1971

Image contributors to this species:

Katemo Manda et al., 2023 (1) Emmanuel Abwe (1)

ScotCat Sources:

Other Sources:

Relevant Information:

Description: It is distinguished from Synodontis denticulatus by a lower number of mandibular teeth, 23-27 vs. 30-58 in Synodontis denticulatus. Habitat: Known from the Lufira River system, including Lake Koni, this species is known from upper Congo River basin. Colouration: Brown base colouration with small round darker spots, which are indistinct on the head. The belly is yellowish and only occasionally spotted; the fins are speckled. Aquarium Care: Not a lot is known on the upkeep of this species as it has not been seen in the hobby so far (2023).. Etymology: From the River Lufira drainage. Remarks: Given the restricted range of this species, the mining, dams and the use of toxic plants for fishing and overfishing form threats in this region. Both the EOO and AOO qualify for the Vulnerable status and the species is known from less than 10 locations (IUCN 2010, needs updating).

Common Name:

None

Synonyms:

None

Family:

Mochokidae

Distribution:

Africa: Upper and middle Lufira River basin, part of upper Congo River basin, in Democratic Republic of the Congo. Type locality: Lac de Koni, Lufira.

Size:

20.5cm. (8ins) TL.

Temp:

23-26°C (73-79°F)

p.H.

6.5-7.2.

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. 2023. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication. www.fishbase.org, ( 09/2023 ).
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 lufirae. 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 lufirae
Upemba National Park

Synodontis lufirae
Congo (Kinshasa), Lake Bwaya, Kundelungu National Park

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