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Angel catfish (Synodontis angelicus) — Mochokidae

Angel catfish

Synodontis angelicus
Family: Mochokidae
LC · Least Concern

The Angel catfish (Synodontis angelicus) is a freshwater fish of the family Mochokidae that grows up to 55 cm.

Length
55 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The angel squeaker (Synodontis angelicus) is a strikingly marked African catfish of the family Mochokidae (squeakers) from the Congo basin. The species has a deep-purple to black body studded with numerous white to yellowish spots, a large head and three pairs of barbels, and reaches about 55 cm. Owing to this 'polka-dot' pattern it is very popular in the aquarium trade. Like other squeakers it can make squeaking sounds with its pectoral fins, bears strong fin spines and regularly swims upside-down. It is nocturnal and feeds on the bottom on insects, invertebrates and plant matter.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Angel catfish?

The Angel catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly black and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Angel catfish live?

The Angel catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Angel catfish get?

The Angel catfish grows to a maximum of about 55 cm.

Is the Angel catfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Angel catfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Angel catfish edible?

The Angel catfish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Engel-meerval sourced
English name
Angel catfish verified
Scientific name
Synodontis angelicus
Family
Mochokidae
Other names
Angel squeaker; Angelicus; Black clown catfish; Pearl squeaker verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
55.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Black inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Synodontis

More from the family Mochokidae

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