Hi to all following this thread.
Matthes (1964) {full reference is in the post preceding this} on page 113 states the following under
Synodontis ornatipinnis : "1 ex. geant (plus or minus 500 mm) existe dans la collection du Service des Pecheries, a Bikoro (l. Tumba)."
This is the only primary (not just repeated) reference to such a size for this species that I have ever seen. I am also unfamiliar with anyone else ever making mention of examining this particular specimen. Such a look would certainly prove interesting if this fish still exists at the noted institution.
David, thanks for putting in the links to the three CLOFFA volumes. I was going to add them to the post. For some reason CLOFFA 4 (Cichlids) doesn't appear to be available (unless I missed it).
There is an online version of CLOFFA also available at
http://vmcloffa-dev.mpl.ird.fr/
The introduction page to the e-version states the following (In French - translation via Google Translate):
"The preparation of a catalog of African Freshwater fish ( CLOFFA : Check -list of the freshwater fishes of Africa ) was decided in Paris in 1976 , at the Second European Congress of Ichthyologists . This bibliographic catalog is obviously not wildlife , but an update on our taxonomic knowledge listing the recognized valid by specialist species . This is a useful and necessary step a better understanding of African fish that has already formed the basis for the preparation of regional faunas .
The geographical area affected by the CLOFFA includes the African continent and adjacent islands. Marine or estuarine species returning frequently in fresh water or are making long trips have been taken into account.
Initially, the CLOFFA was published as four volumes published between 1984 and 1991. This electronic version contains the original publication. It is not yet updated for the moment, that is to say that no update has been made for nearly 20 years. The objective is to generate an updated version soon with the collaboration of specialists of African fish. Electronic forms are available to help us make this update and to live this bibliographic database . We think it was expected by many and hope you will find in this " e- cloffa " tool that will allow you to facilitate your research ."
Lee F.
