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Rebel's squeaker (Synodontis rebeli) — Mochokidae

Rebel's squeaker

Synodontis rebeli
Family: Mochokidae
DD · Data Deficient

The Rebel's squeaker (Synodontis rebeli) is a freshwater fish of the family Mochokidae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
19.8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Central Africa, in rivers and streams of the Congo basin.
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

Synodontis rebeli is an African catfish (family Mochokidae) of the Congo basin. The species reaches about 20 cm and has a fusiform, brown body with a blotched pattern, barbels and sturdy pectoral and dorsal fin spines. It lives near the bottom in rivers and streams and is an omnivore eating insect larvae, small invertebrates, algae and detritus. Like other squeakers it produces squeaking sounds with its pectoral spines. The species is oviparous. Owing to limited data its conservation status is assessed as Data Deficient (DD). The fin spines can cause painful injuries if handled carelessly.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Rebel's squeaker?

The Rebel's squeaker has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Squeaker catfish with barbels and sturdy fin spines; makes squeaking sounds.

Where does the Rebel's squeaker live?

The Rebel's squeaker lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Central Africa, in rivers and streams of the Congo basin.

How big does the Rebel's squeaker get?

The Rebel's squeaker grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Rebel's squeaker dangerous to humans?

No, the Rebel's squeaker is harmless to humans. For a jab from the pectoral or dorsal fin spines: clean the wound, let it bleed, and seek medical care if pain or inflammation increases.

Is the Rebel's squeaker edible?

The Rebel's squeaker is rarely eaten.

More photos

Rebel's squeaker (Synodontis rebeli) — Mochokidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Gina Walsh, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Rebel's squeaker sourced
Scientific name
Synodontis rebeli
Family
Mochokidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
19.8 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
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Central Africa, in rivers and streams of the Congo basin. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Insect larvae, small invertebrates, algae and detritus 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
Squeaker catfish with barbels and sturdy fin spines; makes squeaking sounds. 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
For a jab from the pectoral or dorsal fin spines: clean the wound, let it bleed, and seek medical care if pain or inflammation increases. 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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