Synodontis ornatissimus Care Guide
Synodontis ornatissimus is an ornately marbled African squeaker catfish from the Ubangi River drainage of the Congo basin, peaceful and largely nocturnal.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Synodontis ornatissimus is a squeaker catfish of the family Mochokidae. Synodontis are named squeakers for the stridulatory sounds they make with their pectoral fin spines. This species shows an intricate marbled pattern and large fins.
Taxonomy
- Family: Mochokidae
- Genus: Synodontis
- Scientific name: Synodontis ornatissimus
Habitat
According to FishBase the species occurs in the Ubangi River drainage of the northern Congo River basin in Africa. It is a benthopelagic, tropical freshwater fish.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 300 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 6.5-7.5
- GH: 5-15 °dGH
- Water flow: moderate
- Adult size: up to about 21 cm TL
- Lifespan: about 8-15 years
Caves, dim lighting and hiding places 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
This is a peaceful, bottom-dwelling catfish suited to robust tank mates such as African cichlids and bristlenose plecos. Very small tetras may be at risk and are best avoided.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed in 2009.
Synodontis ornatissimus Breeding Guide
Overview
Synodontis ornatissimus is a mochokid catfish (a squeaker) endemic to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, occurring in the Ubangi River drainage of the northern Congo River basin. It reaches a maximum total length of about 21.1 cm and is recognised by its strong bony head capsule, three pairs of barbels, large adipose fin and forked tail.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
The reproductive habits of most Synodontis species are not known. The available information indicates that spawning likely occurs during the flooding season, between July and October, with pairs swimming in unison during spawning. Beyond egg counts taken from gravid females, little detail has been recorded.
Common Challenges
The species is oviparous and shows distinct pairing during breeding, but its large adult size, nocturnal habits and the seasonal flood-linked spawning cue make deliberate reproduction in aquaria impractical without specialist conditions. Until species-specific methods are published, this catfish should be regarded as a display animal rather than a breeding project.