Synodontis grandiops Care Guide
Synodontis grandiops is a large-eyed squeaker catfish endemic to Lake Tanganyika, a peaceful bottom-dweller well suited to hard-water cichlid tanks.
Overview
Synodontis grandiops is a squeaker catfish of the family Mochokidae, notable for its large eyes. Synodontis are named squeakers for the stridulatory sounds they make with their pectoral fin spines.
Taxonomy
- Family: Mochokidae
- Genus: Synodontis
- Scientific name: Synodontis grandiops
Habitat
According to FishBase the species is endemic to Lake Tanganyika in Africa and is apparently common. It is a demersal fish of littoral to benthic zones over shell, sand and mud bottoms.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 250 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 7.8-9.0
- GH: 10-20 °dGH
- Water flow: moderate
- Adult size: up to about 11 cm SL
- Lifespan: about 8-15 years
As a Tanganyikan species it requires hard, alkaline water; caves and dim lighting suit this mostly nocturnal catfish.
Diet
Synodontis are omnivorous bottom-feeders whose natural diet includes insects, crustaceans, molluscs, annelids, seeds and algae. A varied diet of sinking foods, fed once daily, is appropriate.
Compatibility
Peaceful and bottom-dwelling, it is well suited to rift-lake cichlid communities. Robust companions such as African cichlids and bristlenose plecos work well, while very small tetras are best avoided.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Not Evaluated.