Fin's Fish Guide
The Payne's dwarf squeaker (Mochokiella paynei) is a freshwater fish of the family Mochokidae that grows up to 4 cm.
Description
Payne's dwarf squeaker is a small African squeaker catfish (Mochokidae) from shaded forest streams of Sierra Leone in West Africa. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a stocky, brown-mottled body with an adipose fin and three pairs of fringed barbels. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it shelters among roots, leaf litter and wood and snaps at insect larvae and small invertebrates. The pectoral and dorsal spines can give a painful puncture wound when handled.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Payne's dwarf squeaker?
The Payne's dwarf squeaker has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Bears sharp spines, plates or strong jaws that can cause cuts or puncture wounds; handle with care.
Where does the Payne's dwarf squeaker live?
The Payne's dwarf squeaker lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Africa: Sierra Leone
How big does the Payne's dwarf squeaker get?
The Payne's dwarf squeaker grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.
Is the Payne's dwarf squeaker dangerous to humans?
The Payne's dwarf squeaker can cause injury; handle it with care. For a cut or puncture from a sharp fin spine: rinse the wound with clean water, apply pressure to stop bleeding and cover with a sterile dressing. Check that no spine fragment remains and watch for signs of infection; for a deep wound update tetanus protection.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Mochokidae
Want the complete picture on the Payne's dwarf squeaker?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Payne's dwarf squeaker is one of 12,519 species in the app.