Teleostei (teleosts) >
Siluriformes (Catfishes) >
Mochokidae (Squeakers or upside-down catfishes) > Mochokinae
Etymology: Synodontis: Greek, syn, symphysis = grown together + Greek, odous = teeth (Ref. 45335).
Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 6.2 - 7.2; dH range: 4 - 15. Tropical; 22°C - 25°C (Ref. 2060); 3°N - 10°S
Africa: middle Congo River basin, including Pool Malebo (= Stanley Pool) and the Kasai drainage (Ref. 78218, 82238).
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ? range ? - ? cm
Max length : 9.7 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 3202)
Forms large schools in pools, rivers and smaller streams with muddy bottoms or among vegetation near the shore; prefers to swim upside-down and will feed in this position (Ref. 6868). Oviparous (Ref. 205).
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
Oviparous (Ref. 205). Distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205).
Gosse, J.-P., 1986. Mochokidae. p. 105-152. In J. Daget, J.-P. Gosse and D.F.E. Thys van den Audenaerde (eds.) Check-list of the freshwater fishes of Africa (CLOFFA). ISNB, Brussels, MRAC, Tervuren; and ORSTOM, Paris. Vol. 2. (Ref. 3202)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2025-2)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Human uses
Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial
Tools
Special reports
Download XML
Internet sources
