Angelicus variant?

Chrysichthys · Post by **Chrysichthys** » 26 Feb 2003, 16:22

I have a syno which is identical to S. angelicus in every respect, except instead of white spots on the body it has a pattern of white squiggles. Any idea what is going on? It was sold as S. ornatipinnis, but I don't believe that's what it is.

Post by **Silurus** » 26 Feb 2003, 16:25

There is considerable variation in the color pattern of S. angelicus, ranging from spots to squiggles.
A photo would help, but I would tend to think that what you have is indeed S. angelicus.

Sid Guppy · Post by **Sid Guppy** » 26 Feb 2003, 19:00

Watch the mouth!
Aside from other differences, they are easily distinguished by the mouth; angelicus has a 'regular' syno mouth with long whiskers; ornatipinnis has a 'suckerlike' mouth (protrudes downwards too) with shorter thinner whiskers, a bit likethe mouth of decorus/pleurops/brichardi.
And it's less dark in color too.
Years ago the 'lined' angelicus was described as a separate variety (Synodontis angelicus zonatus, or so) but this isn't true, since those lines almost always disappear when maturing; leaving the fish with the usual spotted pattern.

Post by **Dinyar** » 26 Feb 2003, 20:37

Both Silurus and SG are right. S. angelicus zonatus was described by none other than Poll, if I recall correctly, but in keeping with current practice, which disfavors "subspecies", is now just considered a synonym of S. angelicus.

Dinyar

STINGRAY · Post by **STINGRAY** » 26 Feb 2003, 23:06

If this fish is small ie Juvenile it could be an atterimus (excuse spelling) S Ornatippinis is miles apart in comparison to angelicus.Ornatippinis are banded rather than spotted I think there is a good photo on the cat e log but I will try and send you a pic of mine. On the other hand it stands a very good chance of being a czech hybrid there have been some on the lists unfortunately labbeled as Ornatappinis but not the real mccoy.

Post by **Silurus** » 27 Feb 2003, 00:13

Unlikely to be S. aterrimus as they are very rarely imported.

Post by **Dinyar** » 27 Feb 2003, 00:39

Stingray may be on to something. I too have heard that there are lots of Czech-bred S. ornatipinnis out there. For all we know, Chrysichthys may be referring to some other bastardized fish.

Dinyar

Tom · Post by **Tom** » 27 Feb 2003, 21:28

In Sands' Catfishes of The World there is a picture in a Volume 2 supplement. It is from his 1990 supplement and is labeled P1990/11. It shows an angelicus with many squiggly lines all over the body. It apparently was first pictured in Practical Fishkeeping in October,1988. Anyone else have access to this picture?

Chrysichthys · Post by **Chrysichthys** » 05 Mar 2003, 13:50

I've checked Axelrod's big fish atlas, and there are pics of angelicus with a combination of squiggles and spots. I think mine is just at the squiggly end of the spectrum. (It also has the feisty temperament of an angelicus).

ggdhazel · Post by **ggdhazel** » 08 Apr 2003, 06:30

I might have an "atterimus"> Can't be 100% though. I recieved it as an angelicus, but it lacks any spots at all. Any other morpholigical feature I should look at to verify what it is for sure (fin ray count)? Im not familiar with its locality either; but if it is an angelicus it has a really cool pattern. Sorry no digital camera to take pictures with.

Post by **Silurus** » 08 Apr 2003, 10:01

Synodontis aterrimus has a much shorter body (similar in form to S. nigriventris) and lacks a distinct banding pattern on all fins when compared to S. angelicus.