This week we want to focus on unusual species of catfish from Nigeria. Today:
Synodontis clarias. This is the first species of Synodontis that became known by scientists. The original scientific description dates back to 1758 and was done by Linnaeus. Nevertheless the species is exported only very occasionally for aquaristic purposes. The fish attains a length of more than 30 cm. It has an enormous distribution: the Nile, Chad, Niger, Volta, Gambia and Senegal. S. clarias is a food fish in all countries it occurs.
This squeaker catfish is listed on the
IUCN Red List of Endangered Species as least concern. This is due from dams, water pollution (agriculture, domestic and commercial/industrial), groundwater extraction and drought pose possible threats. In 2007 a survey was performed relative to pollutants which impacts this species and others.
Survey of heavy metals in the catfish Synodontis clarias identified rural and agricultural runoff as well as continuous discharge of oily wastewaters from the flow station is suspected to be responsible for the observed metal levels. As a result of the probable impact of these pollutants on community health, the State Environmental Protection Authority and/or relevant authorities should institute quarterly monitoring programs on the levels of these pollutants in the water body and other environmental segments that may be affected within the area.
Juveniles, like the 6-8 cm long specimens we were able to import now, look very different to adults in respect of coloration. Adults have a slate-colored body and a red caudal fin.
For our customers: the fish have code 174803 on our stock list. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.
.gif){kind=small}