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Belongs
to the Family Mochocidae
(Naked Catfishes). The commercial name of this fish is
"Decorative Synodontis" and this tells a lot about its
appearance. Its adult size (24 cm) makes it ideal for larger tanks
with sand bottom and rock caves. A nocturnal species but,
unlike Coolie loaches and Horse-face loaches, you can see it very
often during the day searching for food. Usually you can tell where
it is by its large, "zebra" colored tail. It will happily
eat any left-over food and this is amply provided by the messy
cichlids. The sight of a large Synodonitis searching for food is a
very interesting one and adds a variety of action to any tank. These
is no reason to feed it frequently. I have noticed that one tablet
once or twice a week is enough (per Synodontis).
Apart
from their beautiful appearance, Synodontis species should be
preferred for African cichlid tanks for two reasons : First, they
are Africans themselves and second, with their spines they can
easily defend themselves. It is true that most cichlids will try to
chase or bite it, but it can hold its own. I really enjoy watching
this fish when the tank lights are turned off and there is just
ambient light in the room. Under these lighting conditions you can
see it coming out of its cave and patrol for food. You can only see
the outline of its body and the transparent fins (especially the
"zebra" tail). Ok, I admit this photo doesn't show much of
this species (though quite interesting as a shot) so I have to
search for it again - not an easy fish to find. This is always the
problem if you insist in showing your own photos. Simply put, you
can't always get the right shot or meet the deadlines. Extra care
should be taken when transferring this species. Its long spines (on
the pectoral fin) will stick in the net and injury may occur.
Minimum
tank size : 150 cm. If a second individual is to be kept a 200
cm tank should be used and some hiding places provided for the day.
Plain sand recommended for gravel. Remember to feed at night.
Both
shots were taken after the lights were turned off. Ambient light
allowed me to see where the Synodontis decorus was and then I used
my camera with a flash unit to shoot it. The fish has a length of
about 18 cm now.
Photos
taken in January 2000. |
