Synodontis sorex

Like all members of the genus Synodontis, S. sorex 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. sorex, the humeral process is rough, a little longer than it is broad, and rounded or stubby 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 2⁄5 to 1⁄2 the length of the head. The outer pair of mandibular barbels is about 1+1⁄2 or 2 times 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. sorex, the spine is slightly shorter to slightly longer as the head, straight or curved, serrated in the front and back. The remaining portion of the dorsal fin is made up of seven branching rays. The spine of the pectoral fin is shorter than the dorsal spine, and smooth on the outer edge, and serrated on the inner edge. The adipose fin is 3 to 5 times as long as it is deep. …

In the wild, the species is widespread, and is known from Senegal to Ethiopia. The species is harvested for human consumption. 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.