Synodontis unicolor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Synodontis unicolor |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Synodontis
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| Species: |
unicolor
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Synodontis unicolor is a cool type of upside-down catfish. It lives only in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Africa. You can find it in the Luapula-Mweru area. A scientist named George Albert Boulenger first described this fish in 1915. The name unicolor means "one color." This is because the fish is usually a solid dark-brown color all over its body and fins.
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About the Synodontis Catfish
Like other Synodontis fish, S. unicolor has a strong, bony head. This head bone goes all the way back to its first fin on top. It also has a small, bony bump on its shoulder area.
Fish Features
This catfish has three pairs of barbels, which are like whiskers. One pair is on its upper jaw. Two more pairs are on its lower jaw. These barbels help the fish feel and find food.
The fish has a large fin on its back called an adipose fin. Its tail, or caudal fin, is shaped like a fork.
Spines for Safety
The front edges of the top fin and the side fins are very stiff. They are like hard spines. The fish can lift these spines straight out from its body. It can then lock them into place. This helps protect the fish from danger. Once locked, the spines are very hard to push down.
How It Eats
The Synodontis unicolor has a special toothpad on its upper jaw. This pad has many rows of short, chisel-shaped teeth. On its lower jaw, the teeth are hooked. They are attached to flexible, stalk-like parts.
Size of the Fish
This catfish can grow up to about 24.1 centimeters (about 9.5 inches) long. That's almost as long as a ruler! Female Synodontis fish are usually a bit bigger than males of the same age.
Where It Lives and What It Does
In the wild, Synodontis unicolor lives in the Luapula-Mweru river system. This system is part of the upper Congo River basin. Sometimes, too many of these fish are caught. But the species lives in a wide area, so it's still doing okay.
What It Eats
Most Synodontis fish are omnivores. This means they eat both plants and animals. They munch on insect larvae and algae. They also eat snails, clams, sponges, and small crabs. Sometimes, they even eat the eggs of other fish.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Scientists don't know a lot about how most Synodontis species have babies. We know that females can carry many eggs. They likely lay their eggs during the rainy season. This is usually between July and October. During this time, male and female fish might swim together to lay eggs. Young fish grow very fast in their first year. Then, their growth slows down as they get older.
