Microsynodontis laevigata

Before 2004, the genus Microsynodontis was believed to contain only four species, Microsynodontis batesii, M. christyi, M. lamberti, and M. polli.[2] However, when examining previously collected specimens from the lower Guinea region that had been identified as M. batesii, Dr. Ng discovered that the specimens actually consisted of nine distinct species, eight of them previously undescribed.[2] He published the descriptions of the new species in 2004. M. laevigata is one of the new species that he described. Although the eight new species have been accepted by the scientific community, there is still some dispute among scientists as to whether the newly described species are actually separate species as the species are extremely difficult to tell apart.[3]

M. laevigata is a small fish, reaching a maximum standard length of 3.1 centimeters (1.2 in).[1] The mouth of the fish faces downward, with broad lips containing papilla.[4] 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.[5] The front edges of the dorsal fins and the pectoral fins are hardened into stiff spines that can be locked into place.[5] The body shape is cylindrical along its entire length.[4]

M. laevigata can be distinguished from other members of the genus Microsynodontis by examining the pectoral spine, the shape of the caudal fin, and the length of the adipose fin. When viewed from above, the spines on the front edge of the pectoral spines are smooth, instead of serrated. The trailing edge of the caudal fin is straight, instead of forked or rounded. Only M. lamberti shares those characteristics. M. laevigata differs from M. lamberti by having an adipose fin that is about 33% to 35% of the standard length of the fish, instead of about 25% to 31% of the standard length.[2]