Synodontis decorus
| Synodontis decorus | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Siluriformes |
| Family: | Mochokidae |
| Genus: | Synodontis |
| Species: | S. decorus |
| Binomial name | |
| Synodontis decorus Boulenger, 1899[2] | |
Synodontis decorus is a species of upside-down catfish. Common names include clown catfish,[3] clown syno,[4] clown squeaker,[2] and barredtail squeaker.[5]
Distribution
The Synodontis decorus is native to Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of the Congo can be found anywhere in the Congo basin except the Luapula River system. This is one of the many interesting Synodontis species found in Malebo Pool.[4][2]
Description
The unusual trait of this Synodontis is the long extension of the dorsal fin which can reach as far back as its caudal fin and along with its attractive body colouration makes it one of the most popular catfish of the genus, Synodontis.[3] The head and body are compressed. It has three pairs of barbells, maxillary barbells with a small membrane at the base and small slender ramifications larger than on maxillary barbells.
Mostly white with black spots. Its ventral region is white. Dorsal, caudal, anal and ventral fins are white with black transverse bands.[3]
Size, age, and growth
This species grows to a length of 31.8 centimetres (12.5 in) TL.[2]
Distinguishing between sexes
First, lay the fish in your hand with its head toward your palm and the tail toward your fingers. Hold the dorsal spine between your middle and ring finger so the fish is belly up and you won't get stuck. The genital pore is in a small furrow of tissue (in healthy fish) and will be obstructed by the pelvic fins. Pull down on the tail gently to arch the fish’s spine and the pelvic fins will stand and the furrow open to display the genital pore and the anus of the fish. The male has somewhat ridged genital papillae on which the spermatoduct is on the back side, facing the tail fin. A gravid female will also show an extended papillae but the oviduct is on the ventral side of the papillae (And may also show a little redness if really gravid). A thin or emaciated female will have just two pink pores, the oviduct and the anus.[4]
References
- ↑ Moelants, T. (2010). "Synodontis decorus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
- 1 2 3 4 Froese, Rainer and Pauly, Daniel, eds. (2014). "Synodontis decorus" in FishBase. May 2014 version.
- 1 2 3 "Synodontis decorus Boulenger, 1899". ScotCat. Retrieved 7 June 2014.
- 1 2 3 "Synodontis decorus • Mochokidae • cat-eLog". PlanetCatfish. Retrieved 7 June 2014.
- ↑ "Common names of Synodontis decorus". FishBase. Retrieved 7 June 2014.
External links
Data related to Synodontis decorus at Wikispecies