Home · Mochokidae · Synodontis ansorgii
Synodontis ansorgii — Mochokidae

Synodontis ansorgii

Synodontis ansorgii
Family: Mochokidae
LC · Least Concern

The Synodontis ansorgii is a freshwater fish of the family Mochokidae that grows up to 22 cm.

Length
22.3 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 ansorgii is an African squeaker catfish from West Africa. The species grows to about 22 cm and has a stocky, scaleless body, three pairs of barbels and strong spines on the dorsal and pectoral fins. Like related squeakers it can produce squeaking sounds by rubbing these spines. As a nocturnal bottom fish it feeds on insect larvae, molluscs and plant matter. The spines can prick, but the fish is otherwise harmless. The IUCN assesses it as Least Concern (LC).

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Synodontis ansorgii?

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

Where does the Synodontis ansorgii live?

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

How big does the Synodontis ansorgii get?

The Synodontis ansorgii grows to a maximum of about 22 cm.

Is the Synodontis ansorgii dangerous to humans?

No, the Synodontis ansorgii 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 ansorgii edible?

The Synodontis ansorgii is rarely eaten.

More photos

Synodontis ansorgii — Mochokidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — Boulenger, George Albert, 1858-1937 (Public domain)
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Synodontis ansorgii verified
Scientific name
Synodontis ansorgii
Family
Mochokidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
22.3 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 material 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 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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