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Spotted squeaker (Synodontis resupinatus) — Mochokidae

Spotted squeaker

Synodontis resupinatus
Family: Mochokidae

The Spotted squeaker (Synodontis resupinatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Mochokidae that grows up to 26 cm.

Length
26 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Cameroon, Mali, Nigeria
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The spotted squeaker is a catfish (Mochokidae) from fresh water of the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species grows to about 26 cm and has a stocky body with a dark-spotted pattern, three pairs of barbels and an adipose fin. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it searches rivers and bank zones for insect larvae, molluscs, small crustaceans and detritus; it sometimes swims upside down. It makes squeaking sounds with the pectoral spines. The fish is harmless to humans, though the fin spines can prick.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Spotted squeaker?

The Spotted squeaker has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Spotted squeaker live?

The Spotted squeaker lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Africa: Cameroon, Mali, Nigeria

How big does the Spotted squeaker get?

The Spotted squeaker grows to a maximum of about 26 cm.

Is the Spotted squeaker dangerous to humans?

No, the Spotted 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.

Is the Spotted squeaker edible?

Yes, the Spotted squeaker is commonly eaten.

More photos

Spotted squeaker (Synodontis resupinatus) — Mochokidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — Authors: British Museum (Natural History). Dept. of Zoology; Boulenger, Albert, 1858-1937 (Public domain)
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Spotted squeaker sourced
Scientific name
Synodontis resupinatus
Family
Mochokidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
26.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Africa: Cameroon, Mali, Nigeria 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

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
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 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 Synodontis

More from the family Mochokidae

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