Synonyms: None Physical description: The elongated body has a flat body profile. Three pairs of barbels are located on the mouth. Brichard's Synodontis has a unique, stream-lined body, uncharacteristic of other Synodontis species. The body color depends on the age of the fish. Juvenile fish have a brownish-black base body color with several blurred, but straight white stripes. Mature fish have a dark black body color with distinct, white, curving markings. This pattern continues through the fish's forked tail. The belly is light gray. Size/Length: To 8" (20 cm) Similar species: Decorated Synodontis (S. decorus), White-Barred Synodontis (S. ornatipinnis) Habitat: Turbulent waters, especially in rapids and pools below water falls. Western Africa; Zaire (Congo) River. S: bottom Aquarium: A 40" (122 cm) or 45-55 gallon (170-209 L) tank is suggested. The tank should have a strong current and be well-aerated. Use a fine gravel bottom with large stones scattered about. These fish occasionally dig, thus plants should be well-rooted or potted. Provide hiding places and open swimming areas. Water chemistry: pH 6.2-7.5 (6.9), dH 6-20 (10), 72-79°F (22-26°C) Social behavior: A slightly territorial fish that may chase small fish that rest on the bottom at night. Combine with medium to large fish. A diurnal catfish. Suggested companions: Mormyrids, Congo Tetras, West African cichlids, Gouramis, larger barbs. FOOD: Live; mosquito larvae, Tubifex, Brine Shrimp; vegetables; spinach Sexual differences: Unknown Breeding techniques: Unknown Breeding potential: 10. Brichard's Synodontis has not been successfully bred in captivity. Remarks: The colors of this Synodontis become more intense with age. Brichard's Synodontis likes to attach itself to flat surfaces and move into the current, demonstrating its helpful adaptation to its natural environment. Perform frequent partial water changes. Difficulty of care: 4. A hardy catfish, whose diet must include live foods. Recent articles about fish Overfishing may hurt Amazon forest trees (2/5/2008) Overfishing is reducing the effectiveness of seed dispersal by fish in the Brazilian Pantanal, reports Nature. The research suggests that fishing practices can affect forest health. Scientists find fish that literally lives in trees (10/17/2007) Scientists have found a fish that literally lives in trees, according to research published in The American Naturalist and highlighted in New Scientist Magazine. Piranhas originated when Amazon was flooded by seawater (12/4/2007) South America's piranha family of fish -- notorious as eaters of flesh -- can be traced back to a single ancestor which dispersed when the Amazon was flooded by seawater some five million years ago, report researchers from the Institut de Recherche Pour le Developpement (IRD). Today piranhas are exclusively freshwater fish found from the Orinoco River basin in Venezuela to the Parana in Argentina. |
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Copyright Rhett Butler 1994-2009 The copy for fish.mongabay.com was written in 1994-1995. Therefore some information such as scientific names may be out of date. For this, I apologize. Feel free to send corrections to me. |
