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Ituri squeaker (Synodontis iturii) — Mochokidae

Ituri squeaker

Synodontis iturii
Family: Mochokidae
DD · Data Deficient

The Ituri squeaker (Synodontis iturii) is a freshwater fish of the family Mochokidae that grows up to 21 cm.

Length
20.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Rarely eaten

Description

The Ituri squeaker is a synodontis catfish (Mochokidae) from the Congo basin in Central Africa, named after the Ituri river. The species has a stocky, scaleless body with a flattened belly, three pairs of barbels and stout, serrated fin spines. Like other synodontis it can make a creaking sound when disturbed. It lives on the bottom of rivers and streams, where it forages on insect larvae, small invertebrates and plant matter. Owing to scarce data the species is regarded as data deficient. The serrated fin spines can give a painful puncture wound.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Ituri squeaker?

The Ituri squeaker has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Ituri squeaker live?

The Ituri squeaker lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Ituri squeaker get?

The Ituri squeaker grows to a maximum of about 21 cm.

Is the Ituri squeaker dangerous to humans?

No, the Ituri squeaker is harmless to humans.

Is the Ituri squeaker edible?

The Ituri squeaker is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Ituri-fluweelmeerval sourced
English name
Ituri squeaker sourced
Scientific name
Synodontis iturii
Family
Mochokidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
20.5 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
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless 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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