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Synodontis smiti Boulenger, 1902

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Relevant Information:

Not imported very often. Description: Like all members of the genus Synodontis, S. serratus 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. smiti, the humeral process is rough, and rounded or obtusely pointed at the end. The maxillary barbels have a very broad membrane and the mandibular barbels are branched. 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. smiti, the toothpad forms a short, 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. smiti, there are about 16 or 17 teeth on the mandible. Colouration: The colour of the fish is brown, with indistinct darker spots and marblings. Round dark spots appear on the rayed fins, and may appear as bands. Aquarium Care: Noted as being peaceful in the aquarium. Etymology: The specific name smiti: Rev Pierre Jacques Smit (1863–1960) was born in the Netherlands but moved to England (1865) when his father became an illustrator at the BMNH.

Common Name:

None

Synonyms:

Synodontis soloni, Synodontis tenuis

Family:

Mochokidae

Distribution:

Africa: Ubangi and Lualaba rivers. (Zaire). Type locality: l’Ubangi à Banzyville.

Size:

22.0cm. (8¾ins)

Temp:

23-25°C (73-77°F)

p.H.

6.5-7.2.

IUCN Red List

The species is widespread or without major threats throughout the Central Africa assessment region and is assessed as Least Concern, but does need 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. pp. 457–458.
Cuvier, Georges (1934). The Animal Kingdom Arranged in Conformity with its Organization, Volume 10. Translated by Griffith, Edward. London: Whittaker and Co. p. 406.
Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2020. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication. www.fishbase.org, ( 01/2020 ).
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 smiti. 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 smiti

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