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Squeaker catfish (Synodontis sorex) — Mochokidae

Squeaker catfish

Synodontis sorex
Family: Mochokidae
LC · Least Concern

The Squeaker catfish (Synodontis sorex) is a freshwater fish of the family Mochokidae that grows up to 36 cm.

Length
36 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The squeaker catfish is a squeaker catfish (Mochokidae) from West Africa. The species has a stocky body with a bony-armoured head, a relatively pointed snout and three pairs of barbels around the mouth. It lives bottom-bound in rivers and lakes and searches by touch for insect larvae, molluscs and detritus. When handled it can make a squeaking sound with the pectoral fin spines. The stout fin spines can give a painful puncture wound.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Squeaker catfish?

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

Where does the Squeaker catfish live?

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

How big does the Squeaker catfish get?

The Squeaker catfish grows to a maximum of about 36 cm.

Is the Squeaker catfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Squeaker catfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Squeaker catfish edible?

Yes, the Squeaker catfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Spitssnuit-kattenmeerval sourced
English name
Squeaker catfish sourced
Scientific name
Synodontis sorex
Family
Mochokidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
36.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped 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
Commonly 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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