Synodontis orientalis Seegers 2008

Distinguished from other species by the following characters: eye diameter 2.2 times in snout length; humeral process triangular, pointed at its tip; absence of axillary pore below the humeral process; 24-26 teeth on lower jaw, number increasing with size; base coloration whitish with large grey-brown blotches on the flanks, leaving only the belly as well as irregular broad white patches in front of and at the end of the adipose fin free; body covered with black-brown dots of about pupil-size (Ref. 78218).

Dorsal spines (total): 2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7; Analsoft rays: 12

Collected from a small, seasonal stream and the parent catfishes must migrate upstream from the Ruvu during the rainy season to spawn there (Ref. 78218).

Synodontis orientalis is a species of upside-down catfish endemic to Tanzania, where it occurs in the Ruvu and probably also the Rufiji river basins. This species grows to a length of 8.8 centimetres (3.5 in) SL.