Synodontis angelica

Perlhuhnwels ( Synodontis angelicus ), Young Animal

The Perlhuhnwels ( Synodontis angelicus ) belongs to the family of Catfishes ( Mochokinae ) the Mochokidae family. The species was scientifically described in 1891. It is introduced as an aquarium fish since at least 1954. Although this catfish by the Unique for Catfishes staining, many white dots on dark gray to almost black base, fins (except the adipose fin ) with white and dark bands, is very easy to distinguish from other species, yet find themselves with Synodontis tholloni and S. werneri two synonyms in the scientific literature. In addition zonatus described a subspecies S. angelicus, which is distinguished by additional bright vertical bands on the sides of the nominate form. As has been shown, these specific staining pattern can also occur within a population that does not justify a taxonomic special position. The scientific species name is Latin Angelicus, meaning angelic '. The German name Perlhuhnwels refers to the color that is similar to those of guinea fowl.

Occurrence

The distribution area is almost the entire Congo Basin, including the basins of the Ubangi and Kasai, possibly the Ogooue Basin in Gabon, but not the Zambian part of the Congo - feeder. Especially often it seems to happen (formerly Stanley Pool ) near the city of Kinshasa, where it is mainly caught for the aquarium in Malebo pool.

Size

According to FishBase, this kind reach a length of about half a meter. Other sources, however, of "only" 24 centimeters.

Reproductive biology

The propagation of this species is not known precisely, but it is believed that they are free spawners. Although the Perlhuhnwels has not yet been bred pure in captivity, hybrids are offered by this kind in the ornamental fish trade. This can be achieved especially in Eastern Europe by hormone injections ( pituitary extracts ). From aquariums observations but you know that this type intolerant of conspecifics increases with age, suggesting territorial behavior.

Swell

• Poll, M. (1971 ): Révision of Synodontis Africains ( Famille Mochocidae ). Annales du Musee Royal de l' Afrique Centrale 8 Series No. Zoology. 191: 1-497.