Synodontis velifer Norman 1935

Diagnosis: gill slits not extending ventrally beyond pectoral-fin insertions; eye at most 23% of head length and 46% of snout length; post-orbital length at least 60% of snout length; maxillary barbels unbranched, longer than head, without tubercles and bordered by a distinct basal membrane; outer mandibular barbels with many thick and short ramifications; branches of inner mandibular barbels subdivided and tuberculate; mandibular teeth moderately developed, numbering 37-43 (37 in the holotype); denticulations of pectoral-fin spines weaker on outer than on inner margin; dorsal-fin spine smooth anteriorly; humeral process triangular and keeled ventrally; adipose fin well developed and close to rayed dorsal fin; branched dorsal-fin rays, as well as dorsal- and pectoral-fin spines prolonged into filaments; spots present on body and fins (Ref. 57223).Coloration: body more or less dark brownish, covered, as the head and adipose fin, with large, rounded, black spots; other fins with smaller black spots; membranes of maxillary barbels black (Ref. 57223).

Oviparous (Ref. 205). Distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205).

Dorsal spines (total): 1; Analspines: 0

Maximum TL was recorded at 23.8 cm (Ref. 57223). Oviparous (Ref. 205).

fisheries:

Synodontis velifer is a species of upside-down catfish native to Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast and Ghana where it can be found in the Pra River and the Sassandra, Bandama and Volta basins. This species grows to a length of 23.8 centimetres (9.4 in) TL.