Common Synodontis (Synodontis nigrita)
| Common Synodontis Synodontis nigrita | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Common Synodontis |
| Name Lat. | Synodontis nigrita |
| Synonym | False Upside Down Catfish |
| Family | Upside-down Catfishes |
| Family lat. | Mochokidae |
| Order | Catfishes |
| Order lat. | Siluriformes |
| Origin | Africa |
| Habitat | Rivers, lakes |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| Behavior | Nocturnal, peaceful |
| Keeping | Individual, group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Egg scatterer |
| Breeding | None reported |
| Life Span | 10-15 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 20 cm |
| Temperature | 21-26 °C |
| Hardness | 3-20 °dH |
| Aquarium | 320 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 7.9" |
| Temperature | 70-79 °F |
| Hardness | 53-356 ppm |
| Aquarium | 85 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The crepuscular and nocturnal Black Featherbeard Catfish are widespread in Central and West Africa. They live in lakes and slow-flowing rivers with riparian vegetation, where they usually stay under roots or in stone caves during the day.
Maintenance
They require an aquarium with dense planting, with plenty of hiding places such as stone caves (e.g. perforated rock) and roots A sandy dark substrate and subdued light (floating plants) is ideal.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
They are easy to feed and will accept any type of live or frozen food, such as daphnia, cyclops, mysis, artemia and black mosquito larvae, as well as dry catfish food (granules, flake and tablet food). In addition, they need regular vegetable food, such as crushed peas, cucumber slices, mashed leafy and wild vegetables or dry food with high vegetable content (spirulina, kelp)
Only feed as much as will be eaten immediately (in 10 minutes or less). A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
Older animals sometimes behave intra-species territorial, so several Black Featherbeard Catfish should be maintained only in large and richly structured tanks. Towards other, not too small fish, they are peaceful and can be socialized well with them.
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar requirements for water conditions and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The males are more slender than the females. With some experience, the sexes can be determined by the shape of the genital papilla, which is pointed in the male and round in the female.
Reproduction and breeding
There are no known reports of successful breeding in the aquarium.
Important
Juveniles are predominantly dark gray with numerous black spots, adults have a brownish coloration
During the day they usually stay under roots, in caves or under stones, often with the belly upwards.
When catching them, use as fine-meshed nets as possible to avoid snagging the hard rays of the pectoral and dorsal fins, which can cause painful puncture wounds when touched.
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even when contaminant levels have not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Werner Winter; Image: Anton Lamboj
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); BAENSCH & RIEHL (2004): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 2, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF