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Synodontis annectens — Mochokidae

Synodontis annectens

Synodontis annectens
Family: Mochokidae
LC · Least Concern

The Synodontis annectens is a freshwater fish of the family Mochokidae that grows up to 34 cm.

Length
33.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
West Africa
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

Synodontis annectens is an African squeaker catfish from West Africa. The species grows to about 34 cm and has a stocky, scaleless body, three pairs of barbels and strong, serrated spines on the dorsal and pectoral fins. By rubbing these spines it can make audible squeaking sounds. As a nocturnal bottom fish it searches rivers for insect larvae, molluscs and plant remains. The spines can prick when handled, but the fish is otherwise harmless. The IUCN assesses it as Least Concern (LC).

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Synodontis annectens?

The Synodontis annectens has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Serrated dorsal and pectoral fin spines; produces chattering sounds

Where does the Synodontis annectens live?

The Synodontis annectens lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. West Africa

How big does the Synodontis annectens get?

The Synodontis annectens grows to a maximum of about 34 cm.

Is the Synodontis annectens dangerous to humans?

No, the Synodontis annectens is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Synodontis annectens edible?

The Synodontis annectens is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Synodontis annectens verified
Scientific name
Synodontis annectens
Family
Mochokidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
33.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced
Lips
Thin sourced
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
West Africa verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Insect larvae, molluscs and plant remains inferred
Social behaviour
Solitary sourced
Territorial
No sourced
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No sourced
Seasonality
Nocturnal bottom catfish; present year-round. sourced
Special features
Serrated dorsal and pectoral fin spines; produces chattering sounds sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

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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