Synodontis ocellifer Boulenger, 1900

Family:  Mochokidae (Squeakers or upside-down catfishes), subfamily: Mochokinae
Max. size:  49 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater, potamodromous
Distribution:  Africa: basins of the Senegal, Gambia, Niger (including Benue), Volta and Chad (Ref. 57223). Also in the Densu system (Ghana) and Kwa Ibo (Nigeria) (Ref. 57223).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 1; Anal spines: -0. 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 lacking a distinct basal membrane; outer and inner mandibular barbels with numerous long and simple ramifications; mandibular teeth numbering 19-28 (28 in the lectotype); denticulations of pectoral-fin spines weaker and more dense on outer than on inner margin; dorsal-fin spine smooth anteriorly, except for a few apical denticles; humeral process twice as long as deep, granulose, pointed and slightly keeled ventrally; adipose fin well developed and distinctly separated from rayed dorsal fin; sides covered with big black ocellated spots (with a pale centre); no black spot behind dorsal fin (Ref. 57223). Coloration: colour rather light; sides and adipose fin marked with large black spots, sometimes with light centres resembling eyespots (ocelli); presence of such ocelli visible particularly in large individuals; adults usually with small spots aligned on caudal fin; speckled pattern extends unto all fins in young specimens, fading subsequently with growth (Ref. 57223).
Biology:  Oviparous (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 23 October 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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