Synodontis geledensis

Like all members of the genus Synodontis, S. geledensis has a strong, bony head capsule that extends back as far as the first spine of the dorsal fin. The head contains a distinct narrow, bony, external protrusion called a humeral process. The shape and size of the humeral process helps to identify the species. In S. geledensis, the humeral process is rough, much longer than it is broad, and pointed at the end. The fish has three pairs of barbels. The maxillary barbels are on located on the upper jaw, and two pairs of mandibular barbels are on the lower jaw. The maxillary barbel is straight without any branches, with a broad membrane at the base. It extends about 1+1⁄4 the length of the head. The outer pair of mandibular barbels is about twice as long as the inner pair, have long, slender branches with secondary branches. The front edges of the dorsal fins and the pectoral fins of Syntontis species are hardened into stiff spines. In S. geledensis, the spine is 4⁄5 as long as the head, nearly straight, serrated in the front and smooth on the back. The remaining portion of the dorsal fin is made up of seven branching rays. The spine of the pectoral fin is as long as the head, and serrated on both sides. The adipose fin is 4 times as long as it is deep. The anal fin contains four unbranched and eight branched rays, and is obtusely pointed in front. …

In the wild, the species is known in Kenya and Ethiopia, and it is thought to have a greater range. The species is harvested for human consumption. Its habitat is threatened by dam building and water depletion for irrigation. The reproductive habits of most of the species of Synodontis are not known, beyond some instances of obtaining egg counts from gravid females. Spawning likely occurs during the flooding season between July and October, and pairs swim in unison during spawning. The growth rate is rapid in the first year, then slows down as the fish age.