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Abwe, E. et al (1) Emmanuel Abwe (1)

Description: Synodontis denticulatus is an endemic from the middle Lufira Basin and its associated tributaries and lakes. The species shows close morphological resemblance to Synodontis greshoffi and Synodontis unicolor, which are widespread Congo Basin and Bangweulu-Mweru endemic species, respectively. However, it differs from both S. greshoffi and S. unicolor by its non-villous skin (v. villous skin), strong and numerous serrations on the posterior margin of the dorsal spine (v. weak and fewer serrations), weak and few serrations on the posterior margin of the pectoral spine (v. strong and numerous serrations), relatively short maxillary barbels (v. long) and its small maximum standard length (89.1 mm LS v. 148.0 and 190.7 mm LS respectively). A DNA barcoding study (coI, mtDNA) revealed that S. denticulatus forms a distinct genetic clade with a genetic distance of 2.18% with S. greshoffi and 0.84% with S. unicolor. Synodontis denticulatus is caught regularly and abundantly as a by-catch in the gillnet fisheries in the middle Lufira lakes. Owing to its small overall size and large bony head, the species has usually no real commercial value but is an important food fish for the fishermen's families. Aquarium Care: In groups of 5 or more individuals; minimum aquarium size 80 cm. A very social Synodontis. Diet: Oviparous, Feeds mainly at night on insects, crustaceans and plant matter. A good diet of a good quality flake food, tablet food, frozen bloodworm and live food such as daphnia should suffice. Etymology: From the Latin denticulatus, meaning denticulate or with small teeth, a reference to the well-marked and quite numerous denticles on the posterior margin of the dorsal spine of this species.

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Mochokidae

Africa: Middle Lufira River drainage, upper Congo River basin, Democratic Republic of Congo.

9.0cm. (3½ins)

23-30°C (73-87°F)

6.5-8.5.

Abwe, E.; Snoeks, J.; Manda, B.K.; Mutambala, P.K.; Kalumba, L.N.; Bragança, P.H.N.; Kipanga, K.; Mulelenu, C.M.; Kayaba, M.K.I.; Manda, A.C.; Vreven, E.J.W.M.N. Checklist of the Fishes of the Kundelungu National Park (Upper Congo Basin, DR Congo): Species Diversity and Endemicity of a Poorly Known Ichthyofauna. Diversity 2023, 15, 259.
Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2022. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication. www.fishbase.org, ( 08/2022 ).
Kasongo Ilunga, M.: Abwe, E., E. Decru, A. Chocha Manda and E. Vreven, 2020. Description of a new small-sized Synodontis species (Siluriformes: Mochokidae) that is important for local subsistence fisheries in the middle Lufira (upper Congo River, DR Congo). J. Fish Biol. 96(5):1142-1159.
Olaf LF Weyl, Albert Chakona, Journal of Fish Biology special issue on The Biology and Ecology of African Freshwater Fishes, Journal of Fish Biology, 10.1111/jfb.14362, 96, 5, (1075-1076), (2020).