Fin's Fish Guide
The Wahrindi (Synodontis schall) is a freshwater fish of the family Mochokidae that grows up to 37 cm.
Fresh water of much of Africa, including the Nile basin, in rivers, lakes and swamps with soft bottoms.
Description
The wahrindi is a catfish of the family Mochokidae (squeakers) reaching about 37 cm. The sturdy, brown-mottled body has three pairs of barbels around the inferior mouth, a large adipose fin and stout, lockable spines in the pectoral and dorsal fins. Like other squeakers it can make a squeaking sound with its pectoral spines and sometimes swims upside down to graze the surface or the undersides of leaves. The species comes from much of Africa, including the Nile, and lives on soft bottoms of rivers, lakes and swamps. Mainly at night it searches for insect larvae, molluscs, crustaceans, algae and detritus. It is a much-caught food fish; beware the sharp fin spines.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Wahrindi?
The Wahrindi has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Wagtail catfish with three pairs of barbels, a large adipose fin and stout, lockable pectoral and dorsal fin spines; sometimes swims upside down.
Where does the Wahrindi live?
The Wahrindi lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of much of Africa, including the Nile basin, in rivers, lakes and swamps with soft bottoms.
How big does the Wahrindi get?
The Wahrindi grows to a maximum of about 37 cm.
Is the Wahrindi dangerous to humans?
The Wahrindi can cause injury; handle it with care. The pectoral and dorsal fins bear stout, serrated spines that can cause painful puncture or cut wounds; handle a caught animal carefully and clean any wound.
Is the Wahrindi edible?
Yes, the Wahrindi is a highly prized food fish.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Wahrindi?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Wahrindi is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Synodontis
More from the family Mochokidae
Want the complete picture on the Wahrindi?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Wahrindi is one of 12,519 species in the app.