Synodontis ilebrevis Wright & Page, 2006

Family:  Mochokidae (Squeakers or upside-down catfishes), subfamily: Mochokinae
Max. size:  13.6 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater,
Distribution:  Africa: endemic to Lake Tanganyika, only known from the type locality in Zambia (Ref. 59365).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 2-2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7-7; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 10-14; Vertebrae: 35-36. Body is not compressed; predorsal profile is slightly convex; skin on body forming numerous vertical folds; short, flat papillae present, giving skin a pebbled texture; head slightly depressed and broad (Ref. 59365). Eyes dorsolateral, ovoid, its diameter 26.0-33.4% of snout length (Ref. 59365). Mandibular teeth 50-66, short and unicuspid, arranged in 8 short, transverse rows (Ref. 59365). Maxillary barbel short, extending to at least to base of pectoral spine, with small papillae at base and narrow basal membrane; lateral mandibular barbel extending to point just past anterior margin of pectoral girdle, with 3-6 short, weakly tuberculate branches, usually lacking secondary branches; medial mandibular barbel approximately 1/3 to 1/2 length of lateral barbel, with 3-5 pairs of tuberculate branches, many secondary branches present (Ref. 59365). Dorsal fin spine short, striated, slightly curved, terminating in short, dusky filament; anterior margin of fin spine granulous, posterior margin with small serrations distally (Ref. 59365). Pectoral fin spine roughly equal in length to dorsal fin spine, striated, slightly curved, terminating in short, dusky filament; anterior spine margin granulous, posterior margin with large, retrorse serrations along entire length (Ref. 59365). Adipose fin long, well developed, margin convex (Ref. 59365). Body with moderately sized spots, fin spines dark (Ref. 59365).
Biology:  Probably inhabits fairly shallow, rocky coastal areas; no information exist on the reproduction or the natural diet of this species (Ref. 59365).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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