Plain squeaker (Synodontis zambezensis)

Scientific name: Synodontis zambezensis Peters, 1852

Plain squeaker (Synodontis zambezensis)

The Plain squeaker (Synodontis zambezensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Mochokidae. Native range: Africa, Middle and lower Zambezi south to the Pongolo system. Absent from upper Save-Runde system.

Biology

The spines are said to be poisonous. 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. Breeds in summer.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Synodontis zambezensis
Family
Mochokidae (Squeakers or upside-down catfishes)
Order
Siluriformes (Catfish)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
43.0
Environment
Freshwater; benthopelagic
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
Africa: Middle and lower Zambezi south to the Pongolo system. Absent from upper Save-Runde system.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans
Venomous
Uses
Fisheries: minor commercial; gamefish: yes
Resilience
Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

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