Also known as both the Clown Squeaker and Decorated Synodontis, the first ray of theis greatly extended in this species. It is one of the more secretive, nocturnal Synos and if you wish to observe it regularly we recommend the addition of a 'moon' light or a red bulb timed to come on for a couple of hours after the main tank lights go off. If some food is added to the tank under these lighting conditions it should emerge to feed.

This is one of only 3 members of the genus to exhibit…

The original type locality is ‘Rio Guaporé, Brazil’, supposedly in the vicinity of Pontes e Lacerda in Mato Grosso state. However, this was modified by Nijssen and Isbrücker (1980) to ‘Brazil-Goias, Rio Tocantins, road between Pedro-Afonso (08°59’S 48°12’W) and Itacajá (08°18’S 47°45’W)’. This is confusing since the distance between these two localities is well over 1000 km, although it appears that the former is correct as per our image of specimens with locality details.

The congener C. seussi, which is also native to the rio Mamoré, has a similar colour pattern but its snout is noticeably prolonged compared with that of C. gossei, plus there are some subtle differences in pigmentation. There is a third variant which has been referred to as ‘CW069’ in the aquarium hobby and appears to be somewhat intermediate, with a short, rounded snout as in C. gossei but a colour pattern more reminiscent of C. seussi.

In addition, the colour pattern in aquarium fish traded or identified as C. fowleri is highly variable, but it is unclear whether such differences represent diversity within or between populations. Nevertheless, colour pattern is typically used to distinguish them, with fish from Peru possessing a greater extent of dark pigmentation on the body generally referred to…

This species has the characteristic overhanging snout possessed by all three members of the genus. It has chisel-shaped teeth which are designed for grazing algae off rocks. These physical adaptations allow it to graze algae from rocks situated in very shallow water which other species cannot reach. The position of the mouth allows the fish to remain parallel to the rock surfaces, thus enabling it to cope with the turbulence in these areas. L. fuelleborni exists in many different colour forms in…

An unusual and highly adapted species, S. brichardi is one of our favourite Synos and really deserves to be kept in a biotope aquarium to be appreciated at its best. Here, it will be seen moving in and out of areas of high and low current and rasping at algae attached to rocks as in nature. It is much more diurnal than many Synodontis species, if maintained correctly. The colours of this fish intensify with age….

A very nocturnal species that will be seen only infrequently during daylight hours. S. angelicus is very long-lived and can survive for over 20 years if maintained correctly.
S. angelicus was much sought after when first imported and commanded a correspondingly large price. They are still relatively expensive, though prices have dropped considerably. It is quite a rare species in its native waters.

The patterning and colour varies cosiderably, depending on type locality. Some specimens have w…

Also known as the Mustard Squeaker, this species is imported infrequently, though it sometimes shows up in mixed boxes of Synodontis from exporters. An ideal Syno for the general community due to its small adult size.

S. alberti possesses an incredible set of barbels that are the longest of any Synodontis. It is also very hardy and adaptable and is therefore an ideal beginner's Syno. It has very large eyes exemplifying its nocturnal nature and also prefers cooler conditions to other members of the genus.

This fish has a few common names including Bigeye Squeaker and Albert's Synodontis, though it is usually referred to as the High-fin Synodontis….

This species is one of the most popular Rift Lake cichlids in the hobby, due to its striking colouration and somewhat peaceful (for a mbuna) nature. It exists in many different colour forms in nature, and the ubiquitous "electric yellow" morph, so popular in the hobby, is actually one of the rarer forms in nature, with the blue and white variety being more widespread. Wild fish are correspondingly rare in the hobby, with the vast majority of specimens offered for sale being tank-bred. …