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Largemouth squeaker (Synodontis macrostoma) — Mochokidae

Largemouth squeaker

Synodontis macrostoma
Family: Mochokidae

The Largemouth squeaker (Synodontis macrostoma) is a freshwater fish of the family Mochokidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
9.2 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Venomous / poisonous

Description

The Largemouth squeaker is an African squeaker catfish (Mochokidae) from fresh water of the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a sturdy, often spotted body with a large adipose fin, three pairs of fringed barbels and a hard, toothed nape shield; some species characteristically swim upside down. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it searches for insect larvae, snails, crustaceans and plant matter. The lockable, serrated pectoral and dorsal spines are venomous and can give a painful puncture wound.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Largemouth squeaker?

The Largemouth squeaker has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Largemouth squeaker live?

The Largemouth squeaker lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Largemouth squeaker get?

The Largemouth squeaker grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Largemouth squeaker dangerous to humans?

The Largemouth squeaker is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Grootbek-fluitmeerval sourced
English name
Largemouth squeaker sourced
Scientific name
Synodontis macrostoma
Family
Mochokidae
Other names
Largemouth squeaker verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
9.2 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous 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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