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A more recent noticeable similarity from the paper by Wright, JJ and LM Page (2006) is the look-a-like Synodontis petricola which grows larger has smaller spots on the head and differs from S. lucipinnis by the addition of a pore beneath the humeral process which is not present in S. lucipinnis. These two species can be difficult to tell apart, especially as juveniles. Description: Dorsal spines (total): 2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7 - 8; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 12 - 13; Vertebrae: 34 - 35. Body is not compressed; predorsal profile is slightly convex; skin on body forming numerous vertical folds; papillae absent; head slightly depressed and broad. Eyes dorsolateral, ovoid, its diameter 25.2-35.8% of snout length. Mandibular teeth 35-51, short and unicuspid, arranged in 6 short, transverse rows. Maxillary barbel short, extending at least to base of pectoral spine, with small papillae at base and narrow basal membrane; lateral mandibular barbel extending to point just past anterior margin of pectoral girdle, with 4-6 short, simple, weakly tuberculate branches, usually lacking secondary branches; medial mandibular barbel approximately 1/3 to 1/2 length of lateral barbel, with 4-6 pairs of tuberculate branches, many secondary branches present. Dorsal fin spine short, striated, slightly curved, terminating in a short, white filament; anterior margin of spine smooth, posterior margin with small serrations distally. Pectoral fin spine roughly equal in length to dorsal fin spine, striated, slightly curved, terminating in short, white filament; anterior spine margin smooth, posterior margin with large, retrorse serrations along entire length. Adipose fin long, well dveloped, margin convex. Body with large spots, fin spines white. Aquarium Care: As per Lake Tanganyika species.

Dwarf Lake Syno.

None

Mochokidae

Africa: Lake Tanganyika

8.0cm. (3¼ins)

22-25°C (71-77°F)

7.0-9.0.

ScotCat Factsheet no. 46. April 2000.
Wright, JJ and LM Page (2006) Taxonomic revision of Lake Taganyikan Synodontis (Siluriformes: Mochokidae). Florida Mus. Nat. Hist. Bull. 46(4):99-154.