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Caudalis squeaker (Synodontis caudalis) — Mochokidae

Caudalis squeaker

Synodontis caudalis
Family: Mochokidae
LC · Least Concern

The Caudalis squeaker (Synodontis caudalis) is a freshwater fish of the family Mochokidae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
20.4 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Congo basin in Central Africa; river bottoms.
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

The caudalis squeaker is a synodontis catfish (Mochokidae) from the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species has a stocky, scaleless body with a flattened belly, three pairs of barbels and stout, serrated pectoral and dorsal fin spines; the tail often bears a conspicuous pattern. Like other synodontis it can make a creaking sound with its fin spines and swim bladder when disturbed. It lives on the bottom of rivers, where it forages at dusk on insect larvae, small invertebrates and plant matter. It is oviparous. The serrated fin spines can give a painful puncture wound.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Caudalis squeaker?

The Caudalis squeaker has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Striking tail markings; grating bottom-dwelling catfish with serrated fin spines.

Where does the Caudalis squeaker live?

The Caudalis squeaker lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Congo basin in Central Africa; river bottoms.

How big does the Caudalis squeaker get?

The Caudalis squeaker grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Caudalis squeaker dangerous to humans?

No, the Caudalis squeaker is harmless to humans. Not venomous, but the stout, serrated pectoral and dorsal fin spines can inflict a painful puncture wound. Clean the wound thoroughly and seek medical care if it becomes infected.

Is the Caudalis squeaker edible?

The Caudalis squeaker is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Caudalis squeaker sourced
Scientific name
Synodontis caudalis
Family
Mochokidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
20.4 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
Natural range
Congo basin in Central Africa; river bottoms. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Insect larvae, small invertebrates and plant material sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Striking tail markings; grating bottom-dwelling catfish with serrated fin spines. 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
Not venomous, but the stout, serrated pectoral and dorsal fin spines can inflict a painful puncture wound. Clean the wound thoroughly and seek medical care if it becomes infected. 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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