Description:
It is distinguished from Synodontis
denticulatus by a lower
number of mandibular teeth, 23-27 vs. 30-58 in Synodontis
denticulatus. Habitat: Known
from the Lufira River system, including Lake Koni,
this species is known from upper Congo River basin.
Colouration: Brown base colouration with
small round darker spots, which are indistinct on
the head. The belly is yellowish and only occasionally
spotted; the fins are speckled. Aquarium Care:
Not a lot is known on the upkeep of this species as
it has not been seen in the hobby so far (2023)..
Etymology: From the River Lufira
drainage. Remarks:
Given the restricted range of this species, the mining,
dams and the use of toxic plants for fishing and overfishing
form threats in this region. Both the EOO and AOO
qualify for the Vulnerable status and the species
is known from less than 10 locations (IUCN 2010, needs
updating).
Common
Name:
None
Synonyms:
None
Family:
Mochokidae
Distribution:
Africa:
Upper and middle Lufira River basin, part of upper
Congo River basin, in Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Type locality: Lac de Koni, Lufira.
Size:
20.5cm. (8ins) TL.
Temp:
23-26°C (73-79°F)
p.H.
6.5-7.2.
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. 2023. FishBase.
World Wide Web electronic publication. www.fishbase.org,
( 09/2023 ). 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 lufirae.
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.
Synodontis
lufirae
Congo (Kinshasa), Lake Bwaya, Kundelungu National Park
If you would like to contribute to the monthly
factsheets with an article, information or photos, please e-mail
me. You will of course be credited for your work.
If you would like to donate any denomination
of monies to the site just click the above link button. All proceeds
will go to running the site and hopefully to keep it going for a few
years yet.