Scientific Name
Synodontis zambezensis

Common Name
Plain squeaker

Biology
The spines are said to be poisonous (Ref. 4537). Occurs in pools and slow flowing reaches of perennial and seasonal rivers. Favors riverine habitats to floodplains. Shelters in holes or crevices or on the underside of logs, frequently in an upside-down position. Active at night, feeds on detritus and plant matter such as seeds as well as small invertebrates like insects and snails. Will scavenge readily. Oviparous (Ref. 205). Breeds in summer (Ref. 7248).

Classification

Classified By

Peters, 1852

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Catfish (Siluriformes)

Family

Squeakers or upside-down catfishes (Mochokidae)

Distribution

Region

Africa

Distribution

Africa: Middle and lower Zambezi south to the Pongolo system (Ref. 7248). Absent from upper Save-Runde system (Ref. 7248).

Range

13°S - 27°S

Environment

Climate

Tropical

Water Temperature From

Unknown °C

Water Temperature To

Unknown °C

Depth From - meters

Unknown m

Depth To - meters

Unknown m

Zone

benthopelagic

Environment

Freshwater; benthopelagic

Trophic Level

2.66 s.e. 0.34 Based on food items.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

False

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

True

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

False

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

43.0 cm

Common Length

Unknown cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5000 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Fisheries: minor commercial; gamefish: yes

Vulnerability

Moderate vulnerability (44 of 100)

Resilience

Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Threat To Humans

Venomous (Ref. 4537)

IUCN Red List Status

Least Concern (LC)