Synodontis clarias (Linnaeus, 1758)
Mandi
Synodontis clarias
photo by Sandra J. Raredon / Smithsonian Institution, NMNH, Div. of Fishes

Family:  Mochokidae (Squeakers or upside-down catfishes), subfamily: Mochokinae
Max. size:  36 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 6.5 - 7.5; dH range: 18, potamodromous
Distribution:  Africa: basins of the Senegal, Gambia, Volta, Niger (including the Benue) and Chad (Ref. 57223). Also in the Nile (Ref. 3202).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 1; Anal spines: -0. Diagnosis: gill slits not extending ventrally beyond pectoral-fin insertions; snout at most 50% of head length and at most 80% of head width; post-ocular length at least 30% of head length; maxillary barbels shorter than head, bearing externally rather long and more or less tuberculate ramifications and a short, but distinct, basal membrane; outer and inner mandibular barbels with long, simple and finely tuberculate branches; mandibular teeth long, numbering 6-10; pectoral-fin spines more strongly denticulate on inner than on outer margin; dorsal-fin spine denticulate on lower half of anterior margin; humeral process triangular and deep, short and granulose, but not keeled ventrally; adipose fin very well developed and rather close (in large individuals contiguous) to rayed dorsal fin (Ref. 57223). Coloration: ground colour greyish-brown, ventral areas lighter; caudal fin red, at least in live specimens; young individuals with fine specks scattered over dorsal body region and fins (Ref. 57223).
Biology:  Omnivore, feeds on insect larvae, mollusks and detritus (Ref. 13868). Oviparous (Ref. 205). Maximum size 325mm TL, 230mm SL (Ref. 57223).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 22 October 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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