Synodontis orientalis Seegers, 2008
Synodontis orientalis
photo by Seegers, L.

Family:  Mochokidae (Squeakers or upside-down catfishes), subfamily: Mochokinae
Max. size:  8.81 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater
Distribution:  Africa: known from the Ruvu and probably also the Rufiji drainage in Tanzania (Ref. 78218).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 2-2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7-7; Anal soft rays: 12-12. Distinguished from other species by the following characters: eye diameter 2.2 times in snout length; humeral process triangular, pointed at its tip; absence of axillary pore below the humeral process; 24-26 teeth on lower jaw, number increasing with size; base coloration whitish with large grey-brown blotches on the flanks, leaving only the belly as well as irregular broad white patches in front of and at the end of the adipose fin free; body covered with black-brown dots of about pupil-size (Ref. 78218).
Biology:  Collected from a small, seasonal stream and the parent catfishes must migrate upstream from the Ruvu during the rainy season to spawn there (Ref. 78218).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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