Synodontis polystigma facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Synodontis polystigma |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Synodontis
|
| Species: |
polystigma
|
The Synodontis polystigma is a type of upside-down catfish. It lives in the upper Congo Basin in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia. A scientist named George Albert Boulenger first described this fish in 1915. The first fish were found in Lake Mweru. The name polystigma means "many marks" or "many spots." This is because the fish has many black spots on its body and fins.
Contents
About the Synodontis polystigma
Like other Synodontis fish, S. polystigma 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 side called a humeral process.
Fish Features
This catfish 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 called an adipose fin. Its tail, or caudal fin, is shaped like a fork.
The front edges of its back fin (dorsal fin) and its side fins (pectoral fins) are hard spines. 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. Once locked, they cannot be pushed down easily.
What It Eats
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 flexible. They are described as "s-shaped" or "hooked."
Size of the Fish
The Synodontis polystigma can grow up to 24.5 centimeters (about 9.6 inches) long. Female Synodontis fish are usually a bit bigger than males of the same age.
Habitat and Life Cycle
In the wild, this fish lives in the Luapula-Mweru River system. People sometimes catch it for food. However, too much fishing can be a problem for this species.
What They Eat
Synodontis fish are omnivores. This means they eat both plants and animals. They eat things like insect larvae, algae, snails, clams, sponges, and small crustaceans. They also eat the eggs of other fish.
Reproduction
Scientists do not know much about how most Synodontis fish reproduce. They have found eggs inside female fish sometimes. It is thought that they lay eggs during the rainy season. This is usually between July and October. Pairs of fish likely swim together when they lay eggs. Young fish grow very fast in their first year. Then, their growth slows down as they get older.
