Synodontis dorsomaculatus facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Synodontis dorsomaculatus
Conservation status
Endangered (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Siluriformes
Family:	Mochokidae
Genus:	Synodontis
Species:	S. dorsomaculatus
Binomial name
Synodontis dorsomaculatus Poll, 1971
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The Synodontis dorsomaculatus is a special kind of upside-down catfish. It lives only in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. You can find it in the Lukusi and upper Lualaba Rivers. It also lives in the Upemba lakes. A scientist named Max Poll first described this fish in 1971. The name dorsomaculatus comes from two words. Dorso means "back," and maculatus means "spotted." This name describes the dark spots on the fish's back.

What Does This Fish Look Like?

Like other Synodontis fish, S. dorsomaculatus has a strong, bony head. This head bone goes all the way back to its first dorsal fin spine. It also has a small, bony bump on its head called a humeral process.

This fish has three pairs of barbels. These are like whiskers around its mouth. One pair is on its upper jaw. Two pairs are on its lower jaw. The fish has a large, soft fin called an adipose fin. Its tail, or caudal fin, is shaped like a fork.

The front edges of its dorsal fins and pectoral fins are hard spines. These spines can stand straight out from its body. They can also lock into place. This helps the fish defend itself from danger. Small bones help the fish lock these spines. Once locked, the spines cannot be pushed down easily.

The fish has a special pad of teeth on its upper jaw. These teeth are short and shaped like chisels. On its lower jaw, the teeth are attached to flexible stalks. They are described as "s-shaped" or "hooked."

This fish can grow up to 13.7 centimeters (5.4 in) long. Female Synodontis fish are usually a bit bigger than males of the same age.

Where Does This Fish Live and What Does It Eat?

In the wild, Synodontis dorsomaculatus lives in the upper Lualaba River system. People sometimes catch this fish for food.

This fish is listed as endangered. This means it is at risk of disappearing. It faces threats from too much fishing. It is also harmed by pollution from mining. Some harmful fishing methods also put it in danger.

Most Synodontis fish are omnivores. This means they eat both plants and animals. They eat insect larvae, algae, and small snails. They also eat clams, sponges, and tiny crustaceans. Sometimes, they even eat the eggs of other fish.

Scientists do not know much about how most Synodontis fish reproduce. They know that spawning likely happens during the flood season. This is usually between July and October. Fish pairs may swim together when they lay eggs. These fish grow quickly in their first year. Then, their growth slows down as they get older.