Synodontis Melanopterus
📖 Overview
Synodontis Melanopterus (Synodontis melanopterus) is a ray-finned fish of the family Mochokidae. It inhabits freshwater waters. This species can reach a maximum total length of 18.5 cm. With a trophic level of 2.9, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 1; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 11 - 12. Diagnosis: gill slits not extending ventrally beyond pectoral-fin insertions; post-orbital length at least 60% of snout length; maxillary barbels longer than head, unbranched, without tubercles and bordered by a distinct black basal membrane; outer mandibular barbels with numerous short and simple ramifications, branches of inner mandibular barbels short, simple, but thick and sometimes tuberculate; mandibular teeth long, numbering 33-50; dorsal-fin spine and branched dorsal-fin rays prolonged into short filaments, the spine smooth anteriorly; denticulations of pectoral-fin spines finer on outer than on inner margin; humeral process rather slender, granulose, pointed and ventrally keeled; adipose fin well developed and rather close to rayed dorsal fin; colour uniformly dark, without spots on body or fins . Coloration: rather dark, slightly lighter on belly; fins blackish, sometimes faintly spotted .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Synodontis Melanopterus is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Oviparous . Distinct pairing during breeding .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic. Tropical
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Synodontis Melanopterus.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 12 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Synodontis Melanopterus ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.