Synodontis ruandae facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Synodontis ruandae |
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Synodontis ruandae is a special kind of upside-down catfish. It lives in rivers and lakes in countries like Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania. You can find it mainly in the Kagera River system. A scientist named Hubert Matthes first described this fish in 1959. He found it in the Kagera River near Rusumo, Rwanda. The name "ruandae" comes from Rwanda, where it was discovered.
What Does This Fish Look Like?
Like other fish in its family, Synodontis ruandae has a unique feature. It has a bony spike called a humeral process. This spike is attached to a hard cap on its head. You can see it sticking out past its gill opening.
The first ray, or "spine," of its dorsal fin (the fin on its back) is hard and has a saw-like edge. Its pectoral fins (the fins on its sides) also have a hard, serrated first ray. The tail fin, called the caudal fin, is deeply split, like a fork.
This fish has two types of teeth. In its upper jaw, the teeth are short and shaped like cones. In its lower jaw, the teeth are S-shaped and can move. It has one pair of long whiskers, called maxillary barbels. These whiskers extend far past its gill cover. It also has two pairs of shorter whiskers, called mandibular barbels, which are often branched.
Synodontis ruandae can grow to about 12.8 centimeters (5 inches) long. Some fish have been found to be even longer, up to 16.2 centimeters (6.4 inches) in total length.
Where Does the Synodontis ruandae Live?
This catfish lives in warm, fresh water. You can find it in shallow areas of the middle and upper Kagera River system. It likes to hide among plants along the edges of the water.
This fish mainly eats insect larvae, which are baby insects. It also eats small snails and other creatures with shells.
Sadly, the amount of plants along the edges of rivers and lakes is shrinking. This is happening because of agricultural expansion, which means more land is being used for farming. Because its home is changing, Synodontis ruandae is now listed as a vulnerable species. This means it could be in danger of disappearing if we don't protect its habitat.
