Synodontis albolineata

Mustard Synodontis

Classification

Mochokidae

Distribution

Endemic to Gabon, specifically the Majinga river system.

Habitat

Occurs in various biotopes in the Majinga river system.

Maximum Standard Length

4″ (10cm)

Aquarium SizeTop ↑

30″ x 12″ x 12″ (75cm x 30cm x 30cm) – 70 litres.

Maintenance

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

Water Conditions

Temperature: 75 to 82°F (24 to 28°c)

pH: 6.5-7.5

Hardness: 5-15°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 successfully with most species. 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

Unknown. Its size makes it very difficult to be sexed accurately using the genital papillae method.

Reproduction

Not recorded in aquaria.

NotesTop ↑

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.