One-Spot Synodontis Care Guide
Synodontis notatus is a hardy Congo Basin catfish usually marked with a single dark flank spot, undemanding in soft to neutral water.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Synodontis notatus is an upside-down catfish native to the Congo Basin of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of the Congo. Standard length reaches about 25 cm, with total length up to 26.5 cm recorded. The species name derives from the Latin for "marked", referring to the spot; most individuals show a single dark flank spot, though some have several spots or none.
Taxonomy
- Family: Mochokidae
- Genus: Synodontis
- Scientific name: Synodontis notatus
- Describer: Vaillant, 1893
Habitat
The species is found throughout the Congo River basin, including Pool Malebo and the Kasai and Ubangi drainages. FishBase lists a temperature range of 22–26 °C, pH of 6.0–7.5 and hardness of 4–15 dH for its freshwater, benthopelagic habitat.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 300 L
- Temperature: 24–28 °C
- pH: 6.5–7.5
- GH: 5–15 °dGH
- Adult size: 20–25 cm
- Lifespan: 8–15 years
Diet
Synodontis notatus is omnivorous, with a trophic level near 2.9. The genus consumes insect larvae, algae, gastropods, bivalves, sponges, crustaceans and fish eggs. A varied prepared and frozen diet suits the aquarium, offered once daily.
Compatibility
A peaceful, hardy, nocturnal, bottom-dwelling catfish. It is kept with robust tankmates and provided 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: Least Concern, assessed 16 February 2009.
Synodontis notatus Breeding Guide
Overview
Synodontis notatus is native to the Congo Basin in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of the Congo, including the upper Kasai, Lufira and Luapula River systems. It grows to about 25 cm (up to 26.5 cm in the wild) and inhabits tropical fresh water around 22–26 °C, pH 6.0–7.5 and 4–15 dH. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern. The species is recognised by a single dark spot on each flank, though some individuals show multiple spots or none.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
No spawning observations specific to Synodontis notatus are available. For the genus, spawning is reported during the flooding season between roughly July and October, with pairs swimming in unison.
Egg & Fry Care
No documented account of egg or fry development exists for this species. Reproductive knowledge across the genus is largely limited to egg counts from gravid females.
Common Challenges
The absence of an established spawning trigger and rearing method is the central obstacle to captive reproduction of this riverine Congo Basin species.