Page 128 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

126 FRESHWATER FISH DIRECTORY

Synodontis schoutedeni Synodontis flavitaeniatus
Vermiculated Synodontis attractively patterned in many cases. The marbling Striped Synodontis
of the Vermiculated Synodontis makes this species
ORIGINS Africa, restricted to the vicinity of easy to identify, although the precise patterning ORIGINS Africa, occurring in Zaire, in the vicinity of the
central Congo. does differ slightly between individuals. During Stanley Pool and the Chiloango River.
SIZE 6 in (15 cm). the daytime, a Vermiculated Synodontis may seek SIZE 8 in (20 cm).
DIET Prepared foods and live foods. to conceal its presence in the aquarium by lying DIET Prefers vegetable matter and small live foods.
WATER Temperature 72–79°F (22–26°C); soft to hard camouflaged and motionless on a rock, perhaps WATER Temperature 73–79°F (23–26°C); soft to hard
(50–150 mg/l) and acidic to alkaline (pH 6.0–7.5). using its mouthparts to anchor itself in place. (50–200 mg/l) and acidic to alkaline (pH 6.5–8.0).
TEMPERAMENT Placid, but may bully their own kind. Vermiculated Synodontis tend to be quite solitary, TEMPERAMENT Nonaggressive.
and it is not wise to try to keep them in groups,
Synodontids are a popular group of catfish for the because bullying is likely to occur. This will be not
aquarium, partly because they do not grow to a only distressing for the victims but also
large size, but also because they are active and disruptive for other tank occupants.

This boldly patterned catfish can be distinguished
by its horizontal yellowish stripes and extensive
patches of blackish-brown coloration. The Striped
Synodontis, which is not as widely available as
most other members of this group, tends to
burrow less in the substrate than related species.
There need to be suitable retreats in its aquarium,
in the form of pieces of bogwood or rocks. The
Striped Synodontis is easy to cater to, since it will
eat a wide range of foods, even browsing on algae.

Synodontis angelicus Synodontis greshoffi Synodontis alberti
Polkadot African Catfish Congo Synodontis Alberti Catfish

ORIGINS Africa, occurring in Zaire around Mousembe ORIGINS Africa, occurring in the Congo basin, although ORIGINS Africa, occurring in various localities in Zaire,
and Stanley Pool, and also in Cameroon. absent from the lower Congo and the Luapula River. including Stanley Pool, Lukulu River, and near Kinshasa.
SIZE 6 ⁄2 in (18 cm). SIZE 8 in (20 cm). SIZE 8 in (20 cm).
1
DIET Smaller live foods, algae, and prepared foods. DIET Prefers live foods, but will take tablets. DIET Prefers live foods, but will take tablets.
WATER Temperature 72–82°F (22–28°C); soft to hard WATER Temperature 73–81°F (23–27°C ); soft to hard WATER Temperature 72–81°F (22–27°C); soft to hard
(50–150 mg/l) and acidic to alkaline (pH 6.5–7.5). (50–200 mg/l) and acidic to neutral (pH 6.5–7.0). (50–200 mg/l) and acidic to alkaline (pH 6.0–8.0).
TEMPERAMENT Placid. TEMPERAMENT Placid. TEMPERAMENT Nonaggressive.
A variable patterning of creamy-white spots on a A brown-blotched pattern helps to distinguish
dark chocolate-brown background characterizes this species from its catfish relatives. The Alberti
these catfish. The spots become less pronounced Catfish has special teeth in its lower jaw, which it
with age, and the background color also becomes uses to rasp algal growths off rocks; long barbels
grayer. Polkadot African Catfish are largely help the fish to orient itself and to search for
nocturnal in their habits, emerging from their food. The fish should be provided with algae (or a
hiding places under cover of darkness. Like others suitable substitute) to eat. It is best to grow algae
of their kind, these catfish will for food in a separate tank, not the fish’s home
excavate the substrate in search The spots tank. This is because the algae require good
of edible items, and they may are of a illumination for productive growth, but the
nibble aquatic plants. consistent The Congo Synodontis has relatively broad, catfish prefers subdued lighting.
size creamy stripes set against a brown background Erect
color. Some authorities consider it to be the dorsal fin Forked
same species as S. afrofischeri, whose distribution caudal fin
extends to the Nile basin, where it occurs in Lake
Victoria and other localities. The
Congo Synodontis has care
needs similar to other
species in the group.

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