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Clouded squeaker (Synodontis nebulosus) — Mochokidae

Clouded squeaker

Synodontis nebulosus
Family: Mochokidae
LC · Least Concern

The Clouded squeaker (Synodontis nebulosus) is a freshwater fish of the family Mochokidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
15 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Can cause injury
Edibility
Rarely eaten

Description

The clouded squeaker is a squeaker catfish (Mochokidae) from southern Africa, in the lower Zambezi basin. The species reaches about 15 cm and has a brown body with a clouded, mottled pattern, to which the name refers, and three pairs of barbels. It prefers floodplain and riverine environments but also occurs in rocky areas. The diet consists of detritus, algae and bottom invertebrates. Adults form pairs during breeding. The stout, lockable fin spines can cause puncture wounds when handled; the species lives for about four to five years.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Clouded squeaker?

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

Where does the Clouded squeaker live?

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

How big does the Clouded squeaker get?

The Clouded squeaker grows to a maximum of about 15 cm. On average the species is around 11 cm.

Is the Clouded squeaker dangerous to humans?

The Clouded squeaker can cause injury; handle it with care.

Is the Clouded squeaker edible?

The Clouded squeaker is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Bewolkte synodontis sourced
English name
Clouded squeaker verified
Scientific name
Synodontis nebulosus
Family
Mochokidae
Other names
Clouded squeaker; Cloudy squeaker verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
15.0 verified
Average length (cm)
11.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Marbled 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
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Can cause injury 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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