Ornate Synodontis Care Guide
Synodontis ornatipinnis is a Congo Basin catfish with intricate marbled patterning and ornate banded fins, suited to soft to neutral water.
Overview
Synodontis ornatipinnis is an upside-down catfish native to the Congo Basin of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia. Total length reaches about 40 cm. The species name means "ornate fins"; adults are pale olive to yellowish with intricate marbled body markings and yellow, black-spotted fins.
Taxonomy
- Family: Mochokidae
- Genus: Synodontis
- Scientific name: Synodontis ornatipinnis
- Describer: Boulenger, 1899
Habitat
The species ranges through the Congo River basin from the rapids below Pool Malebo up to the Luongo River. FishBase lists a temperature range of 22–25 °C and pH of 6.5–7.5 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 ornatipinnis is omnivorous, with a trophic level near 2.8. 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 nocturnal, bottom-dwelling catfish that reaches a large adult size. It is kept with robust tankmates and given caves and dim lighting. Small tetras are unsuitable companions.
Breeding
The species is oviparous with distinct pairing during breeding; spawning in the genus is associated with the July–October flooding period. Aquarium breeding is rarely reported.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed 16 February 2009.