Synodontis alberti

High-fin Synodontis

Classification

Mochokidae

Distribution

Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Republic of Congo.

Habitat

Inhabits a variety of streams and rivers in the wild.

Maximum Standard Length

8″ (20cm) although rarely grows larger than 6″ in aquaria.

Aquarium SizeTop ↑

36″ x 12″ x 12″ (90cm x 30cm x 30cm) – 80 litres.

Maintenance

A densely planted aquarium with a soft substrate and rocks, pieces of driftwood and twisted roots arranged to form hiding places suits this species. Floating vegetation is also recommended in order to diffuse the light entering the tank.

Water Conditions

Temperature: 70-78°F (21-25.5°C)

pH: 6.0-8.0

Hardness: 5-25°H

Diet

Synodontis are omnivorous and are most unfussy in terms of feeding. Frozen, live and dried foods are all accepted. It also relishes vegetable matter in the form of shelled peas, cucumber etc., which it will rasp at with the teeth in its lower jaw.

Behaviour and CompatibilityTop ↑

A peaceful fish that can be maintained with many species provided they are over 2″ in length and thus can escape predation. Good tankmates include Alestiid tetras, Pelvicachromis sp. and other peaceful cichlids, Mormyrids, Gouramis and larger rasboras and barbs. Can be kept with others of its own kind in a suitably sized aquarium but is territorial in smaller systems.

Sexual Dimorphism

Male fish retain a spotted pattern into adulthood. This fades in female fish. It can also be sexed by examining the genital papillae. This is not for the amateur however. The fish should be held ventral side up in the palm of your hand. The dorsal fin should be taken between your middle and ring fingers in order to avoid being pierced by the sharp dorsal fin rays. The genital area you are looking for is concealed beneath the pelvic fins. This can be exposed by pulling (gently) on the caudal fin. A male fish will exhibit an extended papillae which should be pointed and ridged. The spermatoduct can be seen on the caudal side. Females also have a clearly visible papillae but this is more rounded and the oviduct is on the opposite side to the male’s spermatoduct.

Most species of medium/large Synodontis can be sexed using this method but it should be noted that most species take 2 years or more to reach sexual maturity.

Reproduction

Not achieved in aquaria. In nature they form pairs and eggs are scattered randomly.

NotesTop ↑

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.