Results for “spot”

It is most similar to S. macropterus, but differs in absence (vs. presence) of a black spot on the base of the median caudal-fin rays, a higher number of pectoral-fin rays (I,8,i vs. I,7,i), males with somewhat more slender bodies (25.7- 30.5% in SL [range 26.3-28.8% in type series] vs. 30.4-34.6% in SL), an...

There are currently 24 described species of Serrasalmus, many of which look superficially similar. S. marginatus has at various times been considered a synonym of S. rhombeus and S. humeralis, but is currently considered to be distinct. It's main distinguishing feature is usually given as the thick, black, v-shaped marking in the anterior portion of the caudal fin. Juveniles are said to differ from similar-looking species such as S. compressus and S. altuvei because the dark body "spot...

It's been suggested that these two may represent the same species but this appears not to be the case. When describing S. albisuera Freyhof (2003) used a series of specimens collected in 2000 plus some larger, spotted fish which had been collected in 1999 and preserved in New York. Although he noticed differences in dorsal patterning between the two series these weren't considered sufficient to s...

This species first became available in early 2010 and sometimes appears on trade lists under the vernacular names 'Laos sucker' or 'Laos Sakura sucker'. It's distinguishable from other members of the genus by the following combination of characters: body spotted and without stripes; no concentric bands on paired fins; origin of pelvic-fin below origin of dorsal-fin; origin of pectoral-fin posterior to corner of mouth; pelvic fin reaching origin of anal fin; small elevated ...

This species is rarely-seen in the trade due to a relative lack of commercial exports from the middle Yangtze basin. It looks very similar to S. pulchra but can be told apart by the fact it lacks irregular, brownish markings and spots on the side of the head (vs. present in S. pulchra), and like most congeners it has a highly flexible, sinuous body which makes it very interesting to observe.

This "shovelnose" is unique amongst bagrids, but superficially resembles several unrelated South American catfish species. It's common name is derived from it's flattened, extended head. We cannot stress strongly enough that this is a species totally unsuited to aquarium life. Alarmingly, it is can sometimes be spotted in dealer's tanks. When small, it makes an interesting and undeniably impressive addition to a large aquarium but bearing in mind its enormous adult size,...

This species is sometimes confused with S. hymenophysa, native to the Greater Sunda Islands and Peninsular Malaysia, but differs in several ways, the most immediately identifiable of which are possession of small, irregular, dark markings in the lower half of the body and lack of a dark spot in the dorsal-fin. It also has 10-12 vertical body bars...

S. dhonti's natural deep water habitat and solitary lifestyle make collection for the hobby difficult and so it is rarely seen for sale. When juvenile it may be confused with other Tanganyikan Synos but it loses its spotted patterning as it matures....

One of the most popular and commonly seen Synos in the hobby, S. eupterus is usually offered for sale as a small (1-3") juvenile with no information regarding its potential size. These young fish are often sold as Synodontis "Network" due to their attractive reticulated patterning. This patterning breaks up as the fish mature and adult specimens have a simple spotted colouration. The characteristic 'feathered' dorsal also develops with age, with the first few rays develo...

One of the commonest Synos seen for sale, S. nigriventris is occasionally confused with S. contractus. However, on close inspection the species are easy to tell apart as S. nigriventris lacks the large head and mouth and larger eye of S. contractus. The scientific name nigriventris refers to the fact that the belly of this fish is darker than the dorsal area. This is a form of camouflage, making the fish harder to spot by predators above, such as predatory fish, birds etc. It is a basic re...

This is the only species of Synodontis found in Lake Malawi. There exists both large and small-spotted morphs, both of which are available in the trade.

This species is superficially similar to S. petricola but the spots on its body are larger than in petricola and it has a longer head. It is rarely seen in the trade, though can occasionally be found mis-identified as S. angelicus, S. petricola or Synodontis sp.....