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Cuckoo Catfish (Synodontis petricola) — Mochokidae

Cuckoo Catfish

Synodontis petricola
Family: Mochokidae
LC · Least Concern

The Cuckoo Catfish (Synodontis petricola) is a freshwater fish of the family Mochokidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10.2 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The pygmy squeaker is a small African catfish of the squeaker family (Mochokidae) endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a stocky, pale body with dark spots, barbels, an adipose fin and stout fin spines. It lives among rocks in the lake and is often found in groups. As a bottom searcher it feeds on small invertebrates, insect larvae, growth and plankton. The species is popular in the aquarium. The sharp pectoral and dorsal spines can give painful puncture wounds, so careful handling is advised.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Cuckoo Catfish?

The Cuckoo Catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly white and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Cuckoo Catfish live?

The Cuckoo Catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Cuckoo Catfish get?

The Cuckoo Catfish grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Cuckoo Catfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Cuckoo Catfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Cuckoo Catfish edible?

The Cuckoo Catfish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Dwerg-schraapmeerval sourced
English name
Cuckoo Catfish verified
Scientific name
Synodontis petricola
Family
Mochokidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
10.2 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
White 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
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. 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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