Synodontis ornatissimus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Synodontis ornatissimus |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Synodontis
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| Species: |
ornatissimus
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Synodontis ornatissimus is a cool type of upside-down catfish. It lives only in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, specifically in the Ubangi River area. A scientist named Jean-Pierre Gosse first described this fish in 1982. The first fish studied were found in Poko. The name ornatissimus means "very decorated." This is because the fish has many black spots on its body and dorsal fin. It also has black stripes on its tail, making it look very fancy!
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What Does This Fish Look Like?
Like other Synodontis catfish, S. ornatissimus has a strong, bony head. This head armor goes all the way back to its first dorsal fin spine. It also has a special bony bump on its head called a humeral process.
This fish has three pairs of barbels, which are like whiskers. One pair is on its upper jaw, and two pairs are on its lower jaw. These barbels help the fish feel around and find food in the water.
It has a large, fleshy fin on its back called an adipose fin. Its tail, or caudal fin, is shaped like a fork.
Spines for Protection
The front edges of the dorsal fins (on its back) and pectoral fins (on its sides) are hard spines. These spines can stand straight out from its body. They can even lock into place! This is a great way for the fish to protect itself from predators. Once locked, these spines are very hard to push down.
Special Teeth
This catfish has a unique mouth. On its upper jaw, it has a pad with several rows of short, chisel-shaped teeth. On its lower jaw, the teeth are S-shaped or hooked. They are attached to flexible stalks.
S. ornatissimus can grow up to about 21.1 centimeters (8.3 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 Do?
In the wild, Synodontis ornatissimus lives in the northern part of the Congo River basin. People sometimes catch these fish for food.
What Do They Eat?
Synodontis fish are omnivores. This means they eat both plants and animals. They munch on things like insect larvae, algae, snails, clams, sponges, and even the eggs of other fish.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Scientists don't know much about how most Synodontis fish reproduce. We do know that spawning, or laying eggs, likely happens during the rainy season. This is usually between July and October. The fish probably swim together in pairs when they lay their eggs. Young fish grow very quickly in their first year. After that, their growth slows down as they get older.
Threats to This Fish
This fish faces some challenges in its home. Water pollution from mining and human activities can harm them. Cutting down forests can also affect their habitat. Sometimes, people fish using poison, which is also very bad for the fish.
