Brichard's Synodontis Care Guide
Synodontis brichardi is a striped rheophilic catfish from the lower Congo rapids that needs strong, well-oxygenated current.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Synodontis brichardi is an upside-down catfish endemic to the rapids of the lower Congo River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It reaches about 15 cm in length and is marked with horizontal black-and-white striping. The species name honours Pierre Brichard, the aquarium fish exporter who first collected it.
Taxonomy
- Family: Mochokidae
- Genus: Synodontis
- Scientific name: Synodontis brichardi
- Describer: Poll, 1959
Habitat
The fish is restricted to fast-flowing rapids in the lower Congo River. FishBase lists a temperature range of 22–25 °C and pH of 6.0–8.0 for its freshwater, benthopelagic habitat. Aquariums should provide strong, well-oxygenated current to reflect these conditions.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 250 L
- Temperature: 24–28 °C
- pH: 6.5–7.5
- GH: 5–15 °dGH
- Adult size: 15–18 cm
- Lifespan: 8–15 years
Diet
FishBase records a low trophic level of about 2.0 and notes that Synodontis brichardi feeds on filamentous green algae, indicating a largely herbivorous diet. In the aquarium algae-based and varied prepared foods are appropriate, offered once daily.
Compatibility
A bottom-dwelling, nocturnal catfish adapted to current. It is kept with tankmates that tolerate strong flow and is given caves and dim lighting. Small tetras are unsuitable companions.
Breeding
The species is oviparous with distinct pairing during breeding. Aquarium breeding is rarely reported.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable, assessed 16 February 2009.
Synodontis brichardi Breeding Guide
Overview
Synodontis brichardi is endemic to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, occurring in the rapids of the lower Congo River; the original specimens came from the rapids at Kinsuka, Kinshasa. It reaches a maximum standard length of about 15 cm and is adapted to fast-flowing water. As an omnivore it feeds on insect larvae, algae, gastropods, bivalves, sponges, crustaceans and the eggs of other fishes. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Vulnerable.
Sexing
No reliable external sexing method is described; females are reported to be slightly larger than males of similar age.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
For the genus, spawning is reported during the flooding season between roughly July and October, with pairs swimming in unison. This is a general observation and has not been confirmed for Synodontis brichardi.
Egg & Fry Care
No documented egg or fry-rearing data exists for this species; reproductive knowledge for the genus is largely limited to egg counts from gravid females.
Common Challenges
The strong-current rapids environment and the absence of an established spawning method make captive reproduction impractical. Its Vulnerable conservation status also argues for sourcing only responsibly traded specimens.