| Brachysynodontis batensoda | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Siluriformes |
| Family: | Mochokidae |
| Genus: | Brachysynodontis Bleeker, 1862 |
| Species: | B. batensoda |
| Binomial name | |
| Brachysynodontis batensoda (Rüppell, 1832) |
|
| Synonyms | |
|
Synodontes ruppelli Swainson, 1838 |
|
Brachysynodontis batensoda is the only species of catfish (order Siluriformes) in the genus Brachysynodontis of the family Mochokidae.[1] However, there has been debate as to whether or not this species actually belongs to the genus Synodontis.[2] This fish originates from the Nile, Chad, Niger, Senegal, and Gambia River basins.[1]
B. batensoda has 39–42 gill rakers rather than 7–33 as in Synodontis species, and its dorsal fin and adipose fin are contiguous. The body is short and deep, the eyes are large, and its colouration is grey-black tinged with brown, with a faint network of dark black spots. There is a comb of small spines near the point of the operculum.[3] The maxillary barbels have membranes, though these are not as wide as in Hemisynodontis.[2] Like Synodontis species, this fish almost always swims upside down.[2] This fish may grow up to 50 centimetres (20 in) TL and weigh up to 1.5 kilograms (3.3 lb).[4]
This omnivorous fish feeds on plankton, algae, detritus, surface insects, chironomid larvae, benthic crustaceans and molluscs. It is oviparous and venomous.[4]
In the aquarium hobby, this fish may be known as the giant upside-down catfish; it is peaceful and hardy fish, but may be bullied by more aggressive Synodontis species.[2]