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Bubblebarb squeaker (Synodontis woosnami) — Mochokidae

Bubblebarb squeaker

Synodontis woosnami
Family: Mochokidae
LC · Least Concern

The Bubblebarb squeaker (Synodontis woosnami) 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
Commonly eaten

Description

The Okavango squeaker is an African squeaker catfish (Mochokidae) from southern Africa. The species has a scaleless, mottled body with three pairs of barbels, an adipose fin and serrated pectoral and dorsal fin spines. It lives bottom-bound in rivers, channels and floodplains and can make squeaking sounds with its pectoral girdle. As an omnivore it forages for insect larvae, molluscs, algae and detritus. The sturdy, serrated fin spines can inflict painful puncture wounds when handled.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bubblebarb squeaker?

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

Where does the Bubblebarb squeaker live?

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

How big does the Bubblebarb squeaker get?

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

Is the Bubblebarb squeaker dangerous to humans?

No, the Bubblebarb squeaker is harmless to humans.

Is the Bubblebarb squeaker edible?

Yes, the Bubblebarb squeaker is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Okavango-kattenmeerval sourced
English name
Bubblebarb squeaker verified
Scientific name
Synodontis woosnami
Family
Mochokidae
Other names
Upper Zambezi squeaker verified

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
Commonly 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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