Because of its bony head, this
species is often not marketed in Malawi where it is
relatively common and considered a favoured food of
fishermen. Marketed in Kyela. The penultamate thumbnail
image specimen was captured at Senga Bay on the south
west coast of Lake Malawi on the Malawian side. Habitat:
Found among the rocks in the lake during the day and
moves around the area at night. Colouration:
There are a few different colour patterns going from
light grey-brown to whitish to coppery. The black/brown
spots can also be small or large. A good identification
is the rather small adipose fin and blunt nose. Aquarium
Care: Can be housed with Malawi cichlids
from the lake as the higher p.H. values will favour
this setup. Diet: Feeds on insects,
crustaceans and other invertebrates. Oviparous.
Common
Name:
Malawi squeaker
Synonyms:
Synodontis zambesensis
Family:
Mochokidae
Distribution:
Africa:
Lake Malawi
Size:
15.5cm. (6¼ins)
Temp:
20-23°C (67-73°F)
p.H.
7.5-8.2.
Reference:
Baensch, H.A. and R.
Riehl 1985 Aquarien
atlas. Band 2. Mergus, Verlag für Natur- und
Heimtierkunde GmbH, Melle, Germany. 1216 p. ScotCat
Article: Synodontis
njassae Keilhack,
1908 by Michael K. Oliver PH.D. Seegers, L. 2008 The catfishes of
Africa. A handbook for identification and maintenance.
Aqualog Verlag A.C.S. GmbH, Germany. 604 p.
Synodontis
njassae Specimens with small, medium, and large spots, collected
by Geoffrey Fryer in the vicinity of Nkhata Bay and sent to
the British Museum (Natural History) in 1957.
Synodontis
njassae
Synodontis
njassae
Synodontis
njassae Collected at Senga Bay
Synodontis
njassae Lion's Cove-25m deep
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