Synodontis greshoffi

Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon.

Occurs in different biotopes around a number of areas in the middle of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

120 ∗ 30 ∗ 30 cm48 ∗ 12 ∗ 12 in - ~108 litres~29 US gal.

A dimly lit 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. Other planting is beneficial but not essential.

Temperature: 23 – 27 °C73 – 81 °F

pH: 6.5-7.2

Hardness: 5-15°H

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.

Should not be kept with any fish so small as to be considered food. Ideal tankmates include Alestiid tetras, robust cichlids (particularly West African species), Mormyrids, Knifefish, Gouramis and larger rasboras and barbs. It tends to become slightly territorial as it matures, especially towards other Synos. However any aggression is usually far less pronounced than in some other members of the genus and it can be maintained in a small group in a suitably sized aquarium provided each fish is given a refuge to call home. Not recommended for the general community due to its adult size.

The female is plumper than the male when adult. 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 and the dorsal fin 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.

Not recorded in aquaria. In nature S. greshoffi breeds like other riverine Synodontis in areas of seasonal flooding that are rich in micro-organisms. They are egg scatterers and exhibit no parental care.

An attractively patterned, infrequently imported Syno that deserves more popularity in the hobby. It is occasionally confused with S. schoutedeni, which it superficially resembles.