Dhont's Catfish Care Guide
Synodontis dhonti is a large upside-down catfish endemic to Lake Tanganyika, suited to hard alkaline rift-lake aquariums with caves.
Overview
Synodontis dhonti is a catfish of the family Mochokidae, the squeakers or upside-down catfishes. It is endemic to Lake Tanganyika in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and is known from the Kilewa area. Reported standard length reaches 32.5 cm, with a total length near 39.5 cm. The species name honours M.G. Dhont-De Bie, who took part in the collecting expedition.
Taxonomy
- Family: Mochokidae
- Genus: Synodontis
- Scientific name: Synodontis dhonti
- Describer: Boulenger, 1917
Habitat
The fish occurs in Lake Tanganyika, where it has been recorded over rocky shorelines as well as sandy and shell-covered bottoms. Tanganyika water is hard and alkaline. FishBase classifies the species as benthopelagic in a tropical freshwater lake.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 400 L
- Temperature: 24–27 °C
- pH: 7.8–9
- GH: 10–20 °dGH
- Adult size: 20–25 cm
- Lifespan: 8–15 years
Diet
Synodontis dhonti is omnivorous. In the wild the genus consumes insect larvae, algae, gastropods, bivalves, sponges, crustaceans and the eggs of other fishes. Aquarium specimens accept a varied diet; feeding is typically offered once daily.
Compatibility
A bottom-dwelling, mostly nocturnal species that becomes territorial as it matures. It is kept with robust rift-lake tankmates such as African cichlids. Very small fishes are unsuitable as companions. Caves and dim lighting suit its nocturnal habits.
Breeding
The species is oviparous and shows distinct pairing during breeding, with spawning associated with the flooding season between July and October. Captive breeding is not commonly reported.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed 23 February 2025.