Polka Dot Synodontis (Synodontis angelicus)
| Polka Dot Synodontis Synodontis angelicus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Polka Dot Synodontis |
| Name Lat. | Synodontis angelicus |
| Family | Upside-down Catfishes |
| Family lat. | Mochokidae |
| Order | Catfishes |
| Order lat. | Siluriformes |
| Origin | Africa |
| Habitat | Rivers, lakes |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| pH | 6.5-7.5 |
| Behavior | Nocturnal, territorial |
| Keeping | Individual, group |
| Care Level | Difficult |
| Reproduction | Egg scatterer |
| Breeding | None reported |
| Life Span | 15-20 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 25 cm |
| Temperature | 20-25 °C |
| Hardness | 5-20 °dH |
| Aquarium | 370 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 9.8" |
| Temperature | 68-77 °F |
| Hardness | 89-356 ppm |
| Aquarium | 100 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the guinea fowl catfish is the catchment area of the Congo River in Cameroon, the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo. There they live in lakes and slow-flowing rivers, where they usually stay during the day under roots or in stone caves.
Maintenance
They require an aquarium with dense planting, with many hiding places such as stone caves (e.g. perforated rock) and roots as well as sandy dark substrate, subdued light (floating plants), clear water and a weak current.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure 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
They are crepuscular and nocturnal. Adults sometimes behave intra-species and towards other catfishes territorially, therefore several animals should only be kept 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 demands on water quality and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
There are no known external distinguishing characteristics.
Reproduction and breeding
There are no known reports of successful breeding in the aquarium.
Important
During the day they usually stay under roots, in caves or under stones, often with their belly up.
Their markings vary depending on their origin. The basic coloration varies from gray to black with white or yellow spots.
When catching, use as fine-meshed nets as possible so that the hard rays of the pectoral and dorsal fins do not get caught, which can cause painful stinging injuries 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); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF