Large-Spot Synodontis Care Guide
Synodontis ocellifer is a widespread West African catfish marked with large dark spots, reaching a substantial size in mature adults.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Synodontis ocellifer is an upside-down catfish native to northern and western Africa, recorded across the Senegal, Gambia, Niger, Volta and Chad river basins. It carries large black-and-white spots on the body and adipose fin, and the species name combines the Latin ocellus (eye) and -ifer (to carry), referring to these markings. Wild total length can reach about 49 cm, though aquarium specimens are usually smaller.
Taxonomy
- Family: Mochokidae
- Genus: Synodontis
- Scientific name: Synodontis ocellifer
- Describer: Boulenger, 1900
Habitat
The species occupies freshwater river systems of West and northern Africa and is potamodromous, migrating within fresh water. FishBase lists a temperature range of 23–27 °C for its 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 ocellifer is omnivorous, with a trophic level near 3.1. The genus feeds on 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, nocturnal, bottom-dwelling catfish that reaches a large adult size. 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, and spawning is associated with the July–October flooding season. Maturity occurs around 12 cm. Aquarium breeding is rarely reported.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed 23 October 2019.
Synodontis ocellifer Breeding Guide
Overview
Synodontis ocellifer is widespread across northern and western African rivers, recorded from ten countries including Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Nigeria and Senegal, in the Chad, Niger, Volta, Senegal and Gambia basins. It reaches a maximum total length of about 49 cm. As an omnivore it feeds on insect larvae, algae, gastropods, bivalves, sponges, crustaceans and the eggs of other fishes.
Sexing
No dependable external sexing method is described. Females are reported to be slightly larger than males of comparable age, but this is not a reliable field marker.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
For the genus, spawning is reported during the flooding season between roughly July and October, with pairs swimming in unison. Growth is rapid in the first year and slows with age. These notes are general and have not been confirmed for Synodontis ocellifer specifically.
Egg & Fry Care
No documented account of egg or fry development is available for this species; reproductive knowledge for the genus is largely confined to egg counts from gravid females.
Common Challenges
The lack of an established spawning method, combined with the large adult size, is the principal barrier to captive reproduction of this riverine species.