Caring for a synodontis catfish can be difficult as they require an environment that resembles their natural habitat. They also need consistent feedings of bloodworms The Polychaeta, also known as the bristle worms or polychaetes, are a paraphyletic class of annelid worms, generally marine. Each body segment has a pair of fleshy protrusions called parapodia that bear many bristles, called chaetae, which are made of chitin. As such, polychaetes are sometimes re…Polychaete
What kind of fish can live with Synodontis catfish?
Since they’ll attain cheap sizes, they shouldn’t be blended with very small fish, which is able to turn out to be straightforward to feed upon in the evening. Cichlids, barbs, rainbowfish, and different strong fishes are excellent tank mates; solely the smaller species of Synodontis Catfish needs to be saved on the whole group aquariums.
What do catfish eat?
The tail has an elongated V-shape. All catfish have a great appetite. Insects, snails, vegetation, and even small fish – all these are eaten by the Synodontis catfish. Scientists know more than 150 species of these fish varieties. Moreover, not all of them are described. The most popular among aquarists are only a few.
How to care for a Synodontis?
To blunt the instincts of a hunter in the synodontis, you need to regularly feed vegetarian food. The Afternoon is the best time for feeding this fish and try to give them Plant-based food, you can use crushed dandelion leaves, cucumbers, parts of zucchini, and spinach.
What do upside-down catfish eat?
Upside-down catfish are omnivores, preying on insects near the surface, while also consuming crustaceans and plant matter. They primarily feed on mosquito larvae in the wild and providing them with larvae in the home aquarium may help to trigger their breeding.
What is the best food for a synodontis catfish?
In their native habitat, they feed on snails, small mollusks, insects, vegetation, and small fish, plus other dead fish and foods they find on the bottom. In captivity, they prefer a diet heavy on meaty foods but with enough variety to keep them interested.
Do synodontis catfish need to be in groups?
Behavior & Temperament Synodontis catfish are pretty easy-going when it comes to behavior. They're a shoaling species and like to stay in groups when possible. It's best to keep them in groups of at least four or five fish.
How big does a synodontis catfish get?
approximately 4 inchesSynodontis Petricola, also known as the pygmy leopard catfish, is a catfish which grows to a length of approximately 4 inches. Native to Lake Tanganyika in Eastern Africa, this species is rare and highly sought amongst aquarists.
Will a synodontis catfish eat other fish?
Synodontis generally mix well with other fishes and are easy to keep. Larger ones could eat very small fishes, and they are often quite territorial towards other catfishes, especially other synos.
How long do synodontis catfish live?
The Featherfin Squeaker is fairly large and a long-lived catfish. It can get up to 11.8 inches (30 cm) in length, though they usually only obtain 6 - 8” (15-20 cm) in the aquarium. They commonly have a lifespan of 8 to 10 years, but there are reports of them living up to 25 years.
Do synodontis catfish lay eggs?
Synodontis petricola eggs hatch out in about 48 to 78 hours, from my first spawn we had over 200 eggs. We placed all them into egg tumblers and unlike the S. multi, Synodontis petricola fry grow rather slowly.
Can synodontis catfish live alone?
Though they can be kept singly, they prefer to be in groups and often congregate in their native habitats. They are not generally aggressive, but larger specimens should not be trusted with smaller fish in the tank as they may mistake them for food.
Are synodontis catfish poisonous?
It is oviparous and venomous. In the aquarium hobby, it is peaceful and hardy fish that is compatible with even small fish, but may be bullied by more aggressive Synodontis species....Synodontis batensodaOrder:SiluriformesFamily:MochokidaeGenus:SynodontisSpecies:S. batensoda11 more rows
What catfish eat snails?
Cory Catfish (Corydoras) They are social and should be kept in groups. These slow-moving fish do not pursue prey. Corys get along with larger snails but occasionally eat the smaller ones. If they are eating snails, it may be a sign that they are not receiving enough other food in their diet.
Why do synodontis catfish swim upside down?
As its common name implies, the upside-down catfish will swim upside-down. One theory accounts for this unusual behavior as a feeding strategy. In the wild, it often grazes on the undersides of submerged branches and logs, and swimming upside-down makes these areas more accessible.
How do synodontis catfish breed?
petricola will breed via the egg scattering method. The spawning clinch follows a period of excited chasing from the male fish, with the eggs being deposited on the substrate or in a cave. The eggs should hatch within 24 hours, with the fry becoming free-swimming some 48-72 hours later.
Can synodontis catfish live alone?
Though they can be kept singly, they prefer to be in groups and often congregate in their native habitats. They are not generally aggressive, but larger specimens should not be trusted with smaller fish in the tank as they may mistake them for food.
Why do synodontis catfish swim upside down?
As its common name implies, the upside-down catfish will swim upside-down. One theory accounts for this unusual behavior as a feeding strategy. In the wild, it often grazes on the undersides of submerged branches and logs, and swimming upside-down makes these areas more accessible.
Synodontis CatfishBehavior
Synodontis Catfish are usually peaceable fish, however, they will also be territorial so squabbles between people are frequent.
Mixing with different fish
Synodontis Catfish are usually hardy and adaptable and may be blended with strong fish, and a few aggressive or territorial species.
Synodontis Catfish Aquarium Requirements
Synodontis Catfish come from a spread of water circumstances in nature, with some originating from the laborious water African lakes while others could dwell in softer, vegetated waters.
Synodontis Catfish Feeding
Some Synodontis Catfish will study to take floating pellet meals from the floor while others will have to be eaten up sinking meals, which needs to be given in direction of the night when the fish are most energetic.
Meet the Synodontis Catfish
With beautiful finnage and a relatively gentle temperament, synodontis catfish are omnivorous scavengers that will eat algae, pellets, flakes and even live food if they're larger than it. Some people regard synodontis as being rabid killers, but if kept with Malawi cichlids or larger American cichlids, they do quite well.
How Should I Set Up My Tank?
Synodontis are nocturnal, so you won't see them out too much during the day, and you should provide them cover to sleep under. Fake logs or a rock cave are perfect for this. Also ensure that there is more than one hiding spot per tank. If you have just one, or if spaces are scarce, the fish will fight each other for them.
Care Tips for Beginners
Synodontis are fairly good fish for beginners. They are hardy, which means they won't go belly up the first time you make a mistake. You will need to keep ahead on water changes, though, and ensure that there is always clean water in the tank.
Origin and descriptions
Synodontis is a genus of fish in the family Mochokidae native to Africa. Species include such popular aquarium fish as Synodontis mossambica, Synodontis ornatus, Synodontis multipunctatus, and so on; some species are also farmed on a commercial scale as food or bait fish in some areas of Africa and Asia.
Species profile
The Synodontis catfish is one of hundreds of species of catfish belonging to the family Mochokidae. The name comes from Greek and means barbels with teeth, referring to these fish’s pectoral fins. Originating in Africa, there are many subspecies that make up an estimated 80% of all fish kept as pets.
Synodontis catfish care
Caring for a synodontis catfish can be difficult as they require an environment that resembles their natural habitat. They also need consistent feedings of bloodworms and sinking pellets. A 20-gallon tank is recommended, with subdued lighting and plenty of places to hide.
Species Summary
- The Synodontis catfish is a unique freshwater catfish that can fit right in with a specific kind of tank. These fish are native to Africa, with the highest concentration living in the central and west parts of the continent. They’re most commonly found in the lakes of the Great Rift Valley, which …
Appearance
- Technically speaking, there are over 120 different unique species of Synodontis catfish. However, most have a similar appearance. These fish have a familiar profile. As bottom-dwellers, they have flat bellies and a shark-like silhouette that stands out among other types of fish. Most of the body is gray or brown-colored.Large dark spots adorn the skin, creating distinct camouflage patterns t…
Lifespan
- The typical Synodontis catfish lifespan is between eight and ten years in a well-maintained environment.As always, there are no guarantees. These catfish can suffer from health problems when neglected just like any other freshwater fish. To prevent disease and premature death, you must do what you can to provide and maintain the perfect habitat.
Average Synodontis Catfish Size
- The average Synodontis catfish size is about eight inchesat most for species in captivity. However, there’s a lot of size variety with this fish. They can stop growing after reaching only four inches in length. Meanwhile, some will continue to grow to a foot long! All that said, the captive average seems to be in the neighborhood of eight inches for most.
Care
- Synodontis catfish care isn’t particularly difficult. These freshwater fish are surprisingly hardy and can tolerate a healthy range of water conditions. As long as you meet their basic needs, you should have no problem keeping your fish healthy for years to come. Here are a few basic care guidelines to get you started.
Behavior & Temperament
- Synodontis catfish are pretty easy-going when it comes to behavior. They’re a shoaling species and like to stay in groups when possible. It’s best to keep them in groups of at least four or five fish.This offers a couple of advantages. First, a small group is excellent for socialization. They can group up, swim together, and go their separate ways when they want. Secondly, a group helps li…
Synodontis Catfish Tank Mates
- You have a lot of unique options when it comes to Synodontis catfish tank mates! As always, try to keep the sizing similar across the board. While not particularly aggressive with others, the Synodontis catfish can mistake smaller fish for food. Avoid anything that they can scoop up and swallow. It’s also a good idea to steer clear of fish that are bigger. These catfish have the mean…
Breeding
- Breeding the Synodontis catfish intentionally isn’t easy. There’s no known way to trigger spawning through temperature or environmental changes. However, you might encourage breeding by having cichlids in the tank with them. One of the more interesting behaviors of the Synodontis catfish is its breeding habits. Some call them the cuckoo of the fish world! When cichlids lay egg…
Conclusion
- The Synodontis catfish is an amazing freshwater fish that many aquarists should think about owning. Low-maintenance and fun to observe, this is a species we’ve been a fan of for quite a while! If you have any questions about this guide, feel free to ask us directly! We’re always happy to help out our readers.
History and Description
Types of Synodontis Catfish
Synodontis Catfish Tank Mates
Feeding Rules
- Synodontis Catfish can eat any kind of food. Their food preferences change significantly during the day. In the morning, they show all the habits of predators. At this time, it is better to feed them with live and dry food containing a large amount of protein. Synodontis Catfish will not refuse pieces of shrimp and sprat meat but you should not fee...
Breeding
Disease and Treatment