| Family: |
Mochokidae (Squeakers or upside-down catfishes), subfamily: Mochokinae |
| Max. size: |
43 cm SL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 820.0 g |
| Environment: |
benthopelagic; freshwater |
| Distribution: |
Africa: middle and lower Zambezi south to the Pongolo system (Ref. 7248, 52193). Absent from upper Save-Runde system (Ref. 7248, 52193). Also reported from the Luangwe (upper Congo River basin) (Ref. 58032, 82238). Reports from the Angolan Congo basin (Ref. 11970) refer to Synodontis macropuncatus (Ref. 75786). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 1-1; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7-7; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 11-16. Description: Body deep (Ref. 52193). Barbels long and slender, mandibular branches filamentous; mandibular teeth 20-40 in single band; no distinction between primary and secondary premaxillary teeth (Ref. 52193). Humeral process triangular, pointed (Ref. 52193). Dorsal fin with 1 spine and 7 soft rays; anal fin with 4-6 unbranched and 7-10 branched rays; adipose fin large; caudal fin forked (Ref. 52193). Colouration: Plain olive brown or grey, small spots present or absent; spotted specimens are more common in populations from the Limpopo, Incomati and Phongolo rivers (Ref. 52193). Juveniles with albino patches on body are often found (Ref. 52193). |
| Biology: |
The spines are said to be poisonous (Ref. 4537). Found in pools and slow flowing reaches of perennial and seasonal rivers; prefers riverine habitats to floodplains; shelters in holes or crevices or on the underside of logs, frequently in an upside-down position (Ref. 52193). Active at night, feeds on detritus and plant matter such as seeds as well as small invertebrates like insects and snails, and will scavenge readily (Ref. 52193). Breeds in summer during rainy periods (Ref. 7248, 52193). Oviparous (Ref. 205). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 02 October 2017 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
venomous |
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