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Scientific Name Synodontis angelicus  Schilthuis, 1891
Common Names Polka Dot Syno
Angel Squeaker, Englemalle (Denmark), Perlhuhnwels (Germany), Polkadot Squeaker
Type Locality Kinshasa, Stanley Pool, upper Congo River near Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Synonym(s) Synodontis angelica, Synodontis angelicus zonatus, Synodontis tholloni, Synodontis werneri
Pronunciation sin oh don tiss
Etymology According to Cuvier, Synodontis is an "ancient name for an undetermined fish from the Nile". It is apparently not derived, as often reported, from syn-, together and odous, tooth, presumed etymology of the lizardfish genus Synodus and in reference to the closely-spaced lower jaw teeth of both genera. This specific epithet literally means from the angels or messengers.
Hop to next section Species Information
Size 550mm or 21.7" SL. Find near, nearer or same sized spp.
Identification All species in the genus Synodontis have a hardened head cap that has attached a process (humeral process) which is situated behind the gill opening and pointed towards the posterior. The dorsal fin and pectoral fins have a hardened first ray which is serrated. Caudal fin is always forked. There is one pair of maxillary barbels, sometimes having membranes and occasionally branched. The two pairs of mandibular barbels are often branched and can have nodes attached. The cone-shaped teeth in the upper jaw are short. S-shaped and movable in the lower jaw. These fish produce audible sounds when disturbed rubbing the base of the pectoral spine against the pectoral girdle.

Some specimens possess more yellow than white spots and the dark colour can range from dark grey through an inky purple to midnight black depending on mood, health, age and sex of the individual. The images shown here demonstrate how the colour pattern can vary between individuals, all are adults showing a greatly differing number of spots yet maintaining the solid black basic colour.
Sexing First lay the fish in your hand with its head toward your palm and the tail toward your fingers. Hold the dorsal spine between your middle and ring finger so the fish is belly up and you won't get stuck (Which by the way, hurts like crazy!). The genital pore is in a small furrow of tissue (in healthy fish) and will be obstructed by the pelvic fins. Pull down on the tail gently to arch the fishes spine and the pelvic fins will stand and the furrow open to display the genital pore and the anus of the fish. The male has a somewhat ridged genital papillae on which the spermatoduct is on the back side, facing the tail fin. A gravid female will also show an extended papillae but the oviduct is on the ventral side of the papillae (And may also show a little redness if really gravid). A thin or emaciated female will have just two pink pores, the oviduct and the anus.
General Remarks Fishbase states the SL at 550mm which appears erroneous. The German common name, Guineafowl catfish, is worthy of note and is in reference to the body patterning shared by both species. Sadly, the catfish does exhibit a neon and red coloured head.
Hop to next section Habitat Information
Distribution Africa: Congo basin (except in central forest).
African Waters, Congo (click on these areas to find other species found there)

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IUCN Red List Category Least Concern, range map and more is available on the IUCN species page. Last assessed 2009.
pH 6.0 - 8.0
Temperature 23.0-27.0°C or 73.4-80.6°F (Show species within this range)
Other Parameters A hardy fish that can adapt to most conditions.
Hop to next section Husbandry Information
Feeding Omnivorous. This fish is not a fussy eater and even foods like cucumber and spirulina discs are nibbled at. Frozen foods will be greedily accepted and bring on good growth. User data.
Furniture Needs a cave to call home. Like most riverine Synos favours arching overhanging structures and large broad leaf plants. Prefers rocks to bogwood.
Compatibility Peaceful, but not delicate. Able to defend itself.
Suggested Tankmates Most larger community fish that are not timid or likely to compete for refuge.
Breeding Unknown, but thought to be an egg scatterer.
Breeding Reports There is no breeding report.
Hop to next section Further Information
Reference Tijdschrift der Nederlandsche Dierkundige Vereeniging, Ser. 2 v. 3, pp 87.
Registered Keepers There is but a single registered keeper, view all "my fish" data.
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There are 10 records of this fish being seen, view them all.
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Last Update 2022 Sep 26 04:25 (species record created: 2001 Apr 21 00:00)