Family: Mochokidae

Distribution: Synodontis decora, sometimes known as Clown Squeaker, is a freshwater species found throughout the Congo River basin, with the exception of the Luapula and Luvua drainages; Pool Malebo, and the Ubangi and Kasai drainages. 

PH: 6.0 – 8.0

Temperature: 23°C – 27C (73 – 81F)

Hardness: 4 – 25 dH

Description: Synodontis decora can reach a maximum length of around 32 cm in the wild. This large fish has a long dorsal fin and an attractive body colouration, along with a compressed head and body.  It is predominantly white with black spots; its dorsal, caudal, ventral and anal fins are all white with black bands featuring on them.   Difficult to sex, males have a ridged genital papillae; females do not.

Diet: Synodontis decora can be given plenty of different foods, but you can feed it flakes and tablets with the occasional helping of frozen foods.

Breeding: Synodontis decora is reportedly difficult to breed and there is no information available in this category.

Comments: Adult Synodontis decora should be kept in a tank of at least 200 gallons.  Your tank should have plenty of open swimming areas given its size and some rockwork, driftwood and piping with a diameter of at least 12 cm.  This species is probably more suitable for hobbyists with experience, due to its size and the breeding difficulties.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: Synodontis decora is a peaceful species but shouldn’t be housed with small fish or fin-nippers.  You might like to keep it with barbs and larger African characins.

Originally posted 2010-01-26 11:46:14. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Family: Mochokidae

Distribution: Synodontis nigriventris, commonly known as Blotched Upside-down Catfish, is a freshwater species found in the Congo River basin and the Kasai and Ubangi drainages, Africa.  There are reports it has also been seen in Makaka, outside the Congo River basin. 

PH: 6.0 – 8.0

Temperature: 22°C – 26C (72 – 79F)

Hardness: 5 – 12 dH

Description: Synodontis nigriventris can reach a maximum length of around 10 cm in an aquarium. This catfish has a pale grey to cream colouration and dark blotches over its body; it has a black belly and dark-spotted fins.  It also has large, very narrowly separated eyes, and a dorsal spine with a very smooth anterior face.  The Blotched Upside-down Catfish swims upside down, giving it its common name.

Diet: The Blotched Upside-down Catfish eats insect larvae in the wild; it an aquarium environment it can be given tablets and a quality flake, along with the occasional servings of Daphnia and bloodworm.

Breeding: Synodontis nigriventris should be fed live foods before spawning.  It will appreciate hiding spots – upturned flowerpots or PVC pipe will suffice – to conduct its spawning in.  The eggs will hatch after about two days and the fry should be free swimming within 3 – 4 days.  You can offer the youngsters a diet of freshly hatched brine shrimp.

Comments: A group of Synodontis nigriventris should be kept in a tank of at least 10 gallons.  Your tank should be well-planted – broad-leaved plants are ideal – and you can add driftwood, rocks and caves for hiding locations.  You should ensure the water is moderately soft and a gravel substrate is in place.  This species is easy to look after and is therefore suitable for beginners.

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Recommended Compatible Species: Synodontis nigriventris is a peaceful species that should be kept in groups.  They will live happily with most Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetraand Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, CorydorasCatfish  (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppyand Platyand most Gourami(such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio(particularly the Zebra Danioand Pearl Danio)  and also many Killifish make great tank mates.

Originally posted 2010-01-26 11:57:29. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Family: Mochokidae

Distribution: Synodontis multipunctatus, commonly known as Cuckoo Catfish, is a freshwater species endemic to Lake Tanganyika, Africa.  It can be found at depths of up to 65 metres. 

PH: 8.0 – 9.0

Temperature: 21°C – 28C (70 – 82F)

Hardness: 8 – 18 dH

Description: Synodontis multipunctatus can reach a maximum length of around 15 cm in an aquarium. This attractive catfish has an elongated body and a beige-grey colouration.  It has a white belly and large black spots that cover its entire body; its head is also dotted with spots.  Difficult to sex, females have a round papilla; males have a more triangular shape and are generally longer.

Diet: Synodontis multipunctatus can be given sinking pellets and a quality flake; you should give it the occasional treat of bloodworm and brine shrimp.

Breeding: The Cuckoo Catfish will wait for a pair of cichlid mouthbrooders to spawn before the female drops her small eggs among the cichlid’s eggs.  The female cichlid will pick up the Cuckoo Catfish’s eggs, believing they are in fact hers, and mouthbroods them until they hatch in her mouth.  It’s a lazy but effective method of breeding.

Comments: A group of adult Synodontis multipunctatus should be kept in a tank of at least 20 – 30 gallons.  Your tank should have plenty of open swimming areas, some rockwork and several hiding spaces.  You should use a gravel or sandy substrate and ensure your water is nitrate-free and very clean.  This bottom-dwelling species is probably more suitable for hobbyists with experience.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: Synodontis multipunctatus is a peaceful species but can become aggressive within its own species if kept in small groups.  You might like to keep it with mouthbrooding cichlids from Lake Malawi, Lake Tanganyika and Lake Victoria, as well as with livebearers and Rainbowfish.

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