Synodontis aterrimus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Synodontis aterrimus |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Synodontis
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| Species: |
aterrimus
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The Synodontis aterrimus, also known as the network synodontis, is a type of upside-down catfish. It gets its name "aterrimus" because it means "very black" in Latin, referring to its dark underside. This fish lives only in the middle part of the Congo Basin in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Two scientists, Max Poll and Tyson R. Roberts, first described this fish in 1968. They found the first fish specimens in a place called Bokuma, along the Congo River.
What Does the Network Synodontis Look Like?
Like other Synodontis fish, the network synodontis has a strong, bony head. This head bone goes all the way back to its first fin on its back. It also has a small, bony bump on its shoulder area.
This fish has three pairs of barbels, which are like whiskers. One pair is on its upper jaw. The other two pairs are on its lower jaw. It has a large, soft fin near its tail. Its tail fin is shaped like a fork.
The front edges of its back fin and its side fins are hard and spiky. These spines can stand straight out from its body. They can also lock into place. This helps the fish protect itself from danger. Small bones help the spines lock tightly. Once locked, they are hard to push down.
The network synodontis has special teeth. On its upper jaw, it has a pad with many short, chisel-shaped teeth. On its lower jaw, the teeth are flexible and shaped like an "S" or a hook.
This fish can grow up to about 11.5 centimeters (4.5 inches) long. Female Synodontis fish are usually a bit bigger than males of the same age.
Where Does the Network Synodontis Live and What Does It Do?
In the wild, the network synodontis lives in the Congo River basin. People sometimes catch these fish to eat them.
Most Synodontis species are omnivores. This means they eat both plants and animals. They munch on insect larvae, algae, snails, clams, sponges, and small crustaceans. They also eat the eggs of other fish.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Scientists don't know much about how most Synodontis fish reproduce. They have found eggs in some female fish. It is thought that they lay their eggs during the rainy season. This usually happens between July and October. During spawning, pairs of fish might swim together. These fish grow quickly in their first year. After that, their growth slows down as they get older.
