Synodontis zambezensis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Synodontis zambezensis |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Synodontis
|
| Species: |
zambezensis
|
The Synodontis zambezensis is a special kind of catfish often called the brown squeaker or plain squeaker. It's known as an "upside-down catfish" because it often swims that way! This fish lives in the middle and lower parts of the Zambezi River system. You can find it in countries like Eswatini, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
A German naturalist and explorer named Wilhelm Peters first described this fish in 1852. He found it in the Zambezi River in Mozambique. The fish's name, zambezensis, comes from the Zambezi River, which is its home.
Contents
What Does the Brown Squeaker Look Like?
Like other Synodontis fish, the brown squeaker has a strong, bony head. This bony part goes all the way back to the first spine on its top fin. Its head also has a unique bony bump called a humeral process. The shape of this bump helps scientists tell different Synodontis species apart. For the brown squeaker, this bump is long and pointy.
Its Whiskers and Fins
This fish has three pairs of "whiskers," which are called barbels. One pair is on its upper jaw, and two pairs are on its lower jaw. The upper jaw whiskers are long and straight. The outer pair of lower jaw whiskers is about twice as long as the inner pair, and both have many small branches.
The front edges of the brown squeaker's top fin and side fins are hard, like stiff spines. The spine on its top fin is a bit curved and short. It's smooth on the front but has a saw-like edge on the back. The rest of this fin has seven soft rays. The spines on its side fins are also saw-like on both sides. The fish also has a small, fatty fin near its tail, called an adipose fin. Its tail fin is deeply split, with the top part being longer.
Its Teeth
The brown squeaker has a special pad of teeth on the very front of its upper jaw. These teeth are short and shaped like chisels. On its lower jaw, the teeth are attached to flexible stalks and look like "s" shapes or hooks. Scientists count these teeth to help identify the species. The brown squeaker usually has between 20 and 35 teeth on its lower jaw.
Size and Color
The body of the brown squeaker is usually brown or olive green. It might have small or large round black spots. Be careful, as its spines are said to be poisonous! This fish can grow up to about 43 centimeters (17 inches) long. The heaviest one ever recorded weighed about 820 grams (1.8 pounds). Female Synodontis fish are usually a bit bigger than males of the same age.
Where Does the Brown Squeaker Live and What Does It Do?
In the wild, the brown squeaker lives in the middle and lower parts of the Zambezi River. It can also be found as far south as the Phongolo River system in South Africa. Sadly, it might no longer exist in Eswatini.
Its Home and Habits
This fish prefers to live in pools and slow-moving parts of rivers. It likes to hide in holes, cracks, or under logs. It often rests upside-down in these spots!
Life Cycle and Diet
Scientists don't know much about how most Synodontis species reproduce. However, they believe that brown squeakers probably lay their eggs during the flooding season, which is usually between July and October. Pairs of fish might swim together when they are spawning. The brown squeaker eats dead plant and animal matter, like seeds. It also enjoys small invertebrates, such as insects and snails. These fish grow quickly in their first year, but their growth slows down as they get older.
