Synodontis Fish

I love Synodontis Species Fish. They all come under the Mochokidae family. There are quite literally dozens of species of Synodontis, nearly one hundred known variants. Some that are very commonly found, others that are rarely seen.

The well known species tend to be the Eupterus (also known as the Featherfin Syno), the Multipunctatious, the Petricola and Nigriventis. The Nigriventis being one of the most commonly seen in pet stores is well known as the upside-down catfish. It is a popular catfish for those with smaller tanks, although they rarely like to be kept in groups smaller then 3 and prefer 6+. They don't grow very large and are relatively easy to keep. As are most of the Syno group.

I keep many species, the Eupterus being the largest group I have, all of which live together in my 100g tank (heavily filtered, catfish can be mucky!) and have done for longer then I can remember. They love the company of their own kind, despite claims to the contrary I had heard in the past. The do get fairly large (reaching over 8 inches as adults) in quite a small space of time. Far quicker than might be expected, especially when fed a good varied diet. Mine feed on Catfish pellets, Algae wafers (a favourite), An omnivorous wafer, potato, cucumber (although they never seem to eat it before the Malawis get to it) and the occasional live food, such as bloodworm. I used to feed them live food more frequently, before they lived with the Malawis, but as Malawis are vegetarian (I've yet to see them not eat bloodworm, given the chance) I had to cut this down. Malawis can get a condition known as Malawi bloat if they eat too much high protein food, so a balance has to be found if they are to live together.

I also keep a Clarius, Frontosus, Ocellifer, 4 Multipunctatious & 2 Alberti.

Living separately is my female Angelicus, and in a smaller tank lives my breeding group on Petricola, alongside my very shy Decorus.

The Decorus I see only outside his cave very rarely. A truly shy fellow, and typical of the species. In contrast, the Petricolas are out both night and day, and they don't suffer from shyness in the least!

As with most catfish they are naturally nocturnal, so only the boldest will be seen in daytime hours. Also, those in an environment they feel utterly content and safe in. My Eupterus are often out in daytime, but never alone. There are always two or more together. It seems that is how they feel at their happiest, and they can be watched chasing and playing. Some even enjoy being sung to!

Sadly no successful breeding has yet occurred, but as they do live with other species this is no surprise. Both the Multipunctatious and the Petricola have been bred very successfully in captivity, given the right conditions, but are very slow growing as fry.

To sum up, I would recommend the Synodontis to any fish keeper willing to give them space and a few hiding spots (one more hidey spot than catfish is the general rule, even if they all decide to use the same one). They are delightful fish to watch, especially as they swim across the tank, twisting from upside-down to right way up as they do so.

They are hardy, tough, and can cope with many things weaker fish cannot. And with a lifespan ranging upwards of 40 years, for some, they really can be a lifelong companion.