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Leopard squeaker (Synodontis pardalis) — Mochokidae

Leopard squeaker

Synodontis pardalis
Family: Mochokidae
EN · Endangered

The Leopard squeaker (Synodontis pardalis) is a freshwater fish of the family Mochokidae that grows up to 24 cm.

Length
23.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Rarely eaten

Description

The leopard squeaker is a synodontis catfish (Mochokidae) from Cameroon in Central Africa. The species has a stocky, scaleless body with a conspicuous leopard-like spotted pattern, three pairs of barbels and stout, serrated fin spines. It lives on the bottom of rivers, where it forages at night on insect larvae, small invertebrates and plant matter. Owing to a limited range and habitat loss the species is considered endangered. The serrated fin spines can give a painful puncture wound when handled.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Leopard squeaker?

The Leopard squeaker has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Leopard squeaker live?

The Leopard squeaker lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Leopard squeaker get?

The Leopard squeaker grows to a maximum of about 24 cm.

Is the Leopard squeaker dangerous to humans?

No, the Leopard squeaker is harmless to humans.

Is the Leopard squeaker edible?

The Leopard squeaker is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Luipaard-fluweelmeerval sourced
English name
Leopard squeaker sourced
Scientific name
Synodontis pardalis
Family
Mochokidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
23.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy 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
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely 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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