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African Aquatic (1) Allan James (4) Hippocampus Bildarchiv (1)

Description: Like all members of the genus Synodontis, S. nigromaculatus has a strong, bony head capsule that extends back as far as the first spine of the dorsal fin. The head contains a distinct narrow, bony, external protrusion called a humeral process. The shape and size of the humeral process helps to identify the species. In S. nigromaculatus, the humeral process is long, without a distinct keel, and ends in a sharp point. All members of Synodontis have a structure called a premaxillary toothpad, which is located on the very front of the upper jaw of the mouth. This structure contains several rows of short, chisel-shaped teeth. In S. nigromaculatus, the toothpad forms a short and broad band. On the lower jaw, or mandible, the teeth of Synodontis are attached to flexible, stalk-like structures and described as "s-shaped" or "hooked". The number of teeth on the mandible is used to differentiate between species; in S. nigromaculatus, there are about 30 teeth on the mandible. Habitat: Prefers rocks or marginal vegetation and can be found in the papyrus and reed fringes along river channels and around perennial lagoons. Colouration: Olive green with entire body covered with round black spots about the size of the eye. Aquarium Care: Does not seem to be problomatic in its care. Diet: Feeds on a variety of food including detritus, algae and plant material, insects, snails and small fish, and scavenges readily. Reproduction: Oviparous. Breeds during the summer rainy season.

Blackspotted squeaker

Synodontis zambezensis, S. melanostictus, S. colyeri.

Mochokidae

Africa: Luapula System, Moero, Bangwelo, Lake Tanganyika, upper Kasai, upper Zambezi, Okovango, Cunene and Limpopo. Also present in the Zambian Congo. Type locality: Lake Bangwelo.

25.0cm. (10ins)

22-26°C (71-79°F)

6.0-7.5.

Skelton, P.H. 1993 A complete guide to the freshwater fishes of southern Africa. Southern Book Publishers. 388 p.
Boulenger, George Albert (1909). Catalogue of the fresh-water fishes of Africa in the British museum (Natural history). London: British Museum. pp. 416–417.
Cuvier, Georges (1934). The Animal Kingdom Arranged in Conformity with its Organization, Volume 10. Translated by Griffith, Edward. London: Whittaker and Co. p. 406.