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Manyspot squeaker (Synodontis polystigma) — Mochokidae

Manyspot squeaker

Synodontis polystigma
Family: Mochokidae
LC · Least Concern

The Manyspot squeaker (Synodontis polystigma) is a freshwater fish of the family Mochokidae that grows up to 25 cm.

Length
24.5 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 manyspot squeaker is a synodontis catfish (Mochokidae) from the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species grows to about 25 cm and has a stocky, scaleless body densely covered with numerous dark spots, to which the name refers, with a flattened belly, three pairs of barbels and stout, serrated fin spines. It lives on the bottom of rivers, where it forages at dusk on insect larvae, small invertebrates and plant material. When disturbed it can creak with its fin spines. It is oviparous. The serrated fin spines can cause a painful puncture wound.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Manyspot squeaker?

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

Where does the Manyspot squeaker live?

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

How big does the Manyspot squeaker get?

The Manyspot squeaker grows to a maximum of about 25 cm.

Is the Manyspot squeaker dangerous to humans?

No, the Manyspot squeaker is harmless to humans.

Is the Manyspot squeaker edible?

The Manyspot squeaker is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Veelvlek-fluweelmeerval sourced
English name
Manyspot squeaker sourced
Scientific name
Synodontis polystigma
Family
Mochokidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
24.5 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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