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Microsynodontis batesii Boulenger, 1901

Image contributors to this species:

Hippocampus Bildarchiv (2) Chris Rife (3)

ScotCat Sources:

Other Sources:

Relevant Information:

There is some needed work to be done on this genera as identification to species can sometimes be problematic. Some of the species posses a rounded as well as a forked caudal fin which is unique to this family. Aquarium Care: Not too difficult to keep as long as the water quality is kept up to a good standard. Diet: Will eat most aquarium fare such as flake, tablet food and frozen bloodworm. These catfishes will rarely appear out during the day but may venture out for food in early evening. Etymology: In honour of Bates, the English explorer and collector.

Common Name:

Dwarf Synodontis

Synonyms:

Microsynodontis christyi

Family:

Mochokidae

Distribution:

Africa: Ntem River basin, southern Cameroon and northern Gabon, and Campo. Ivindo, Lobé, Nyong and Sanaga River basins, southern and central Cameroon. Type locality: Mvile River, southern Cameroon.

Size:

10.0cm. (4ins)

Temp:

22-26°C (71-79°F)

p.H.

6.5-7.5.

IUCN Red List

Microsynodontis batesii is known from the Ntem River drainage in southern Cameroon and northern Gabon, as well as the Campo, Ivindo, Lobe, Nyong and Sanaga River drainages in southern and central Cameroon. Although Microsynodontis batesii appears to have a much wider distribution compared to all other Microsynodontis from the Lower Guinea, it is possible that more than one species is involved in what is recognised as M. bastesii here. In particular, the populations from the northernmost extent of its distribution (i.e. the Nyong and the Sanaga River drainages) should be further studied to verify their conspecificity with the material from southern Cameroon and northern Gabon, but the paucity of relevant material available for study does not allow for a more conclusive test of this hypothesis (Ng 2004). The species has recently (2004) been described, more information is needed on the species distribution before an assessment can be made. Data Deficient but needs updating (IUCN 2010).

Reference:

Ferraris, C.J. Jr., 2007. Checklist of catfishes, recent and fossil (Osteichthyes: Siluriformes), and catalogue of siluriform primary types. Zootaxa 1418:1-628.
Moelants, T. 2010. Microsynodontis batesii. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2010.

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

Microsynodontis batesii

Microsynodontis batesii
Gold-Albino

Microsynodontis batesii

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