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Poll's dwarf squeaker (Microsynodontis polli) — Mochokidae

Poll's dwarf squeaker

Microsynodontis polli
Family: Mochokidae

The Poll's dwarf squeaker (Microsynodontis polli) is a freshwater fish of the family Mochokidae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
4.1 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Guinea

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Description

Poll's dwarf squeaker is a small catfish (Mochokidae) from fresh water of West and Central Africa. The species grows to about 4 cm and has a stocky, brown-mottled body with three pairs of barbels and an adipose fin. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it hides among roots and leaf litter of forested streams and searches for insect larvae and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Poll's dwarf squeaker?

The Poll's dwarf squeaker has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Poll's dwarf squeaker live?

The Poll's dwarf squeaker lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Africa: Guinea

How big does the Poll's dwarf squeaker get?

The Poll's dwarf squeaker grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Poll's dwarf squeaker dangerous to humans?

No, the Poll's dwarf squeaker is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Poll's dwarf squeaker sourced
Scientific name
Microsynodontis polli
Family
Mochokidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.1 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Marbled sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Africa: Guinea sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Microsynodontis

More from the family Mochokidae

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