Habitat: Although
there are threats known in the Luapula-Mweru region
(overfishing), the species is listed as Least Concern
because it has a relatively broad distribution. Colouration:
Body is a yellowish/brown colour with round irregularely
arranged black spots. The humeral process and all
the fins display smaller spots. Reproduction:
The reproductive habits of most of the species of
Synodontis are not known, beyond some instances
of obtaining egg counts from gravid females. Spawning
likely occurs during the flooding season between July
and October, and pairs swim in unison during spawning.
The growth rate is rapid in the first year, then slows
down as the fish age. Etymology:
The specific name (polystigma) refers to
being many spotted. Diet: As a whole,
species of Synodontis are omnivores, consuming insect
larvae, algae, gastropods, bivalves, sponges, crustaceans,
and the eggs of other fishes. Remarks:
Not seen very often in the hobby in imports.
Common
Name:
None
Synonyms:
None
Family:
Mochokidae
Distribution:
Africa:
Upper Lualaba, Lake Mweru and Luapula up to Johnston
Falls (upper Congo River basin) in Democratic Republic
of the Congo and Zambia. Type locality:
Rivière Luapula, à Kasenga; lac Moero,
à Lukonzolwa [restricted to lac Moëro
by lectotype designation].
Size:
24.5cm.
TL. (9¾ins)
Temp:
21-26°C (69-79°F)
p.H.
6.0-7.5.
Reference:
Ferraris, C.J. Jr.,
2007. Checklist of catfishes, recent and fossil (Osteichthyes:
Siluriformes), and catalogue of siluriform primary
types. Zootaxa 1418:1-628. Froese, R. and D. Pauly.
Editors. 2019. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic
publication. www.fishbase.org, ( 12/2019 ). Gosse, J.-P., 1986. Mochokidae. p.
105-152. In J. Daget, J.-P. Gosse and D.F.E. Thys
van den Audenaerde (eds.) Check-list of the freshwater
fishes of Africa (CLOFFA). ISNB, Brussels, MRAC, Tervuren;
and ORSTOM, Paris. Vol. 2.
Moelants, T. 2010. Synodontis polystigma.
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2010. Seegers, L. 2008 The catfishes of
Africa. A handbook for identification and maintenance.
Aqualog Verlag A.C.S. GmbH, Germany. 604 p.
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