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Synodontis pulcher Poll, 1971

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Description: Like all members of the genus Synodontis, S. pulcher 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 fish has three pairs of barbels. The maxillary barbels are on located on the upper jaw, and two pairs of mandibular barbels are on the lower jaw. The adipose fin is large and the tail, or caudal fin, is forked. 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. On the lower jaw, or mandible, the teeth are attached to flexible, stalk-like structures and described as "s-shaped" or "hooked". Aquarium Care: Very rarely imported so maintenance would be as per other members of this family. Diet: A varied diet as per Synodontis species. Etymology: The specific name pulcher: From the Latin pulcher ='beautiful', alluding to the attractive colour pattern.

Common Name:

None

Synonyms:

None

Family:

Mochokidae

Distribution:

Africa: known from the type locality, Stanley Pool, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Size:

12.0cm. (4¾ins)

Temp:

22-28°C (71-83°F)

p.H.

6.5-7.2.

IUCN Red List

Synodontis pulcher is known from the holotype from the type locality, Pool Malebo (Stanley Pool), Democratic Republic of the Congo. One other specimen has been caught in Pool Malebo (Stanley Pool) (Stiassny, M., pers. comm.). The species may be more widespread than is currently known. More information is needed on the species distribution before an assessment can be made, so classified as Data Deficient, but needs updating (IUCN 2010).

Reference:

Boulenger, George Albert (1909). Catalogue of the fresh-water fishes of Africa in the British museum (Natural history). London: British Museum. p. 391.
Cuvier, Georges (1934). The Animal Kingdom Arranged in Conformity with its Organization, Volume 10. Translated by Griffith, Edward. London: Whittaker and Co. p. 406.
Moelants, T. 2010. Synodontis pulcher. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2010.

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

Synodontis pulcher

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