Synodontis filamentosus Boulenger, 1901

Family:  Mochokidae (Squeakers or upside-down catfishes), subfamily: Mochokinae
Max. size:  26 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 6 - 7.5; dH range: 25
Distribution:  Africa: basins of Nile (Ref. 3202, 28714), Niger (including the Benue), Volta and Chad (Ref. 57223).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 1; Anal spines: -0. Diagnosis: gill slits not extending ventrally beyond pectoral-fin insertions; eye large, at least 24% of head length and 33% of head width; post-orbital length at least 60% of snout length; maxillary barbels slightly longer than head, unbranched, without tubercles but with a light, well visible, broad basal membrane; outer mandibular barbels with numerous, tuberculate ramifications; mandibular teeth long, numbering 16-24 (20 in the holotype); dorsal-fin spine smooth anteriorly; denticulations of pectoral-fin spines finer on outer than on inner margin; first branched dorsal-fin ray prolonged into a very long filament that may reach to caudal-fin base; humeral process poorly developed, granulose, rounded posteriorly and very slightly keeled, at least on anterior part of ventral margin; adipose fin truncate posteriorly and distinctly separated from rayed dorsal fin; outer margins of caudal-fin lobes black-edged; body covered with large spots (Ref. 57223). Coloration: back brownish, sides yellowish, belly lighter; body covered with black spots, except on belly; dorsal filament as well as outer rays of caudal-fin lobes black; young individuals nearly same colour pattern as adults (Ref. 57223).
Biology:  Maximum SL was recorded at 22.3 cm, max. TL at 27.5 cm (Ref. 57223). Oviparous (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 02 September 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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