10d. Catfishes from Africa - Aquarium Glaser GmbH

10d. Catfishes from Africa (36)

Synodontis polli “White”

25. February 2022

Some time ago a small Synodontis appeared in the hobby, which is called “White Polli”. But the “White” has little in common with the actual Synodontis polli. The dorsal fin spine of “White” is bicolor, black in the lower half, white in the upper half. This species is distributed in the hobby almost exclusively as offspring. The strain goes back to animals imported by the Dutchman René Krüter from Lake Tanganyika near Mpulungu in Zambia. Krüter bred the animals with good success and spread them in this way.

The “White Polli” remains small, it hardly grows beyond 8-10 cm in length and is not a cuckoo catfish, but reproduces “normally”. Although there is hardly any doubt that it is a scientifically undescribed species occurring in the wild, it has also undoubtedly been heavily bred in recent years and selected for very light, even white body color, which is why the offspring look only very little like the original wild specimens. Adult specimens show a small occipital hump, which caused Erwin Schraml to call the animals “Humphead Synodontis”. Probably, however, the name “White Polli” (or the other way around, “polli White”) cannot be eliminated.

We currently offer the “White Polli” as a cute offspring in 3-4 cm length. You should always keep these fish in company of conspecifics, because they are really very sociable!

For our customers: the fish have code 185701 on our stocklist. Please note that we supply only wholesale.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Clarotes laticeps

24. March 2021

This is one of the large river catfishes of Africa. We were able to import some specimens once more from Nigeria. However, the species has a very far distribution and is found in the Nile, most parts of West Africa and also in the rivers that flow through the savannahs and riparian forests of East Africa. The species can become as long as 80 cm.

In the aquarium these cats are rather peaceful, but of course small fish are eaten. Clarotes laticeps is swimming more often if the open water than one is used to see from that type of fish. They also try to jump for food over the water surface; so it is wise to cover the tank properly.

For our customers: the fish have code 114954 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade. Available in small numbers only!

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Microsynodontis batesii

22. January 2021

Squeakers or upside-down catfishes are a fish family occurring exclusively in Africa. The best known genus is Synodontis, which comprises over 130 species. Closely related to this genus is the genus Microsynodontis. The genus name means “small Synodontis” and is program, because these fish already become sexually mature with 3-4 cm of length, are thus true dwarf fish. The biggest known species becomes maximum 10 cm long, most reach 5-6 cm of final-length.

Unfortunately, it is very tricky to determine the species correctly; until 2004 the fish presented here were called M. batesii, then the species was divided into 8 species, but so far no scientist has found the time to correctly determine the animals imported by us from Nigeria. It is possible that this is a species that has not yet been scientifically recorded, among the already described species M. emarginata is the most similar one; it is obvious that all the species previously grouped under M. batesii look extraordinarily similar.

We receive these fish with a length of 2-3 cm and have never seen specimens larger than about 5 cm. They are very sociable animals that like to live in dense association with their conspecifics. Microsynodontis are very peaceful against other fish. They are well suited for the containment of a possible mass increase of small water snails, because these form a component of the food of the small catfish. Otherwise, all usual feeds are eaten gladly. The chemical water composition is of no importance for the care of these animals, but extremes should be avoided. The water temperature can lie in the range of 22-28°C.

For our customers: the animals have code 149302 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesalers.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Synodontis nigriventris

10. July 2020

The most popular squeaker catfish (Synodontis) by far is the upside-down catfish (Synodontis nigriventris) from the Congo. It is not the only species of the genus that often (by no means always) swims on its back, but it remains small (under 10 cm) by squeaker catfish standards and is one of the most peaceful representatives of this genus. It is important to keep it in groups of preferably more than 10 individuals, because the species is very social. Among each other these fish even communicate with creaking noises, which they also make loudly protesting when you catch them and lift them out of the water with the net.

The big eye indicates it: these catfish like it twilight. The aquarium should therefore not be lit too brightly, otherwise the fish will hide.

Concerning food and water values, upside-down catfish are unproblematic, they eat any usual fish food and feel comfortable in any tap water suitable as drinking water. The water temperature should be between 22 and 28°C. There are hardly any external sex differences. In animals of the same age the females are bigger and fuller from the time of sexual maturity (with 5-6 cm length). Upside-down catfish spawn hidden, they are free spawners, these fish practise no brood care.

For our customers: the animals have code 183402 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Synodontis decorus

3. June 2020

One of the most beautiful squeaker catfish (Synodontis) comes from the Congo: Synodontis decorus. The slender species grows about 20-30 cm long and is relatively peaceful. One must always consider that all squeaker catfish have a hierarchy among each other, where “social biting” is absolutely necessary and not alarming, since it only comes to superficial, quickly healing wounds. One should therefore care for squeaker catfish in groups if possible; individual animals can (but don’t have to) become a plague for other fish if they try to take these as substitute partners. Small fish that fit in the mouth are also seen as food supplements by omnivores, so possible tankmates should not be too small. In the wild, adult S. decorus typically live in groups of 10-50 individuals, while juveniles up to about 8 cm long are solitary. Synodontis decorus is a diurnal species, which makes it particularly recommended for aquarium keeping. The animals live in rivers, but not in areas with strong currents.

The conspicuous pennant, i.e. the extended dorsal fin ray, and the very contrasting striped caudal fin are, it is assumed, a signal to conspecifics and serve the swarm cohesion. Small young animals under 8 cm length do not yet have an extended dorsal fin ray. In the Congo, larger Synodontis decorus are so common that they became a preferred prey of fin-eating characins of the species Eugnathichthys eetveldii. The Eugnathichthys have even developed an almost identical coloration as mimicry, which allows them to sneak up on the squeaker catfish unnoticed. On the Congo’s edible fish markets one rarely finds larger S. decorus with intact caudal fins, that’s how effective the Eugnathichthys are. Conversely, Synodontis juveniles are almost always undamaged, so hunting these loners is probably not worthwhile for the fin-eaters.

Externally recognizable sex differences are not known for Synodontis decorus, females are only more corpulent at spawning time. The spawning behaviour has not been reported so far, they are probably free-spawners without further care for their brood. In the aquarium, which should be a large one according to the final size of these animals, the animals are easy to care for, they do not make any special demands on the water composition and eat any commercial ornamental fish food. The water temperature should be between 22 and 26°C, occasionally a little above or below does no harm. Even if the animals are diurnally active, they should have as many roots etc. as possible at their disposal where they can seek cover.

For our customers: the animals have code 176502 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesale.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Malapterurus beninensis – Electric catfish

29. April 2020

For a long time it was believed that there were only two species of electric catfish, namely the widespread Malapterurus electricus and the Congolese M. microstoma. Then two independent revisions of the genus appeared practically at the same time, one by Roberts (2000) and one by Norris (2002), which drastically increased the number of species, but for a long time it was tricky to clarify which of the doubly described species were exactly meant.

The most frequently imported species of electric catfish from Nigeria is still mostly called M. electricus in the trade, even here in Germany. In reality, however, it is M. beninensis, a species described by Murray from the Old Calabar River in Nigeria as early as 1855. For electric catfish conditions the species remains relatively small with about 25 cm final size and has the advantage of being not quite as incompatible as other electric catfish. In the literature therefore the individual keeping of electric catfish is recommended in principle. Sufficient space, good feeding and plenty of hiding places do not make this necessary for M. beninensis. And so M. beninensis could be a suitable candidate to study the still completely unknown reproductive behaviour of electric catfish. Shortly before his death, the excellent aquarist and eminent ichthyologist Joachim Knaack was apparently close to succeeding, in any case, in a telephone call he promised a breeding report in the near future. Things turned out differently, but this should serve as an incentive for others to try.

The care of M. beninensis is easy, any frozen and live food of suitable size is willingly accepted, most specimens will eat granules sooner or later. The catfish do not make any special demands on the water composition. M. beninensis is generally indifferent to other fish that are not suitable as food.

Beware of touching these fish. Even the electric shocks given from specimens that are only 4-5 cm long are very painful, although not dangerous for healthy people. It is said that the electric shocks of electric catfish can reach 350-450 volts.

For our customers: Due to the lack of imports because of the worldwide corona crisis, electric catfish are unfortunately not available at the moment.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Malapterurus microstoma 50 cm!

27. February 2019

We usually get electric catfish from Nigeria in the form of the species Malapterurus beninensis. This is a medium sized species that grows to 20-30 cm in length. In April 2017 we received electric catfish from the Congo. From there 4 species are registered: Malapterurus monsembeensis (Syn: M. gossei), M. melanochir, M. microstoma and M. oguensis. Until a major revision in 2000 and 2002, it was believed that there were only 2-3 species at all (at present there are 18), but the shape of the head and the pattern allows to limit the range of species in question. The then Congo electric catfish were sold – except for one. We kept it to raise it and see what would become of it. Yesterday was the day, the animal was caught from its 2,500 litre rearing tank. It is now over 50 cm long. The long snout and the narrow gap of its mouth show it to be M. microstoma.

Our curiosity is satisfied, the electric catfish (which we handle very carefully in view of the electric shocks which such an animal can give out) can now go to a new owner, where it will probably grow even further. Probably M. microstoma will have a length of more than 80 cm, because specimens of 50-60 cm length examined were not yet sexually mature!

For our customers: the animal has code 146058 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesalers. Only one specimen available!

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Microsynodontis batesii

16. January 2019

For our customers: the animals have code 149302 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesalers.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Auchenoglanis sp. Niger (A. biscutatus)

17. December 2018

Until recently only two species of Auchenoglanis were recognized as vaild: A. biscutatus from the Nile and the whole of West Africa and A. occidentalis from Central Africa. But in 2010 the genus was revised by Retzer, who accepted a total of 8 different species, 7 already described formerly and one new species, namely A. senegali.

The species from the Niger, which we import, looks most similar to A. wittei from the Congo, but according to Retzer the Auchenoglanis from the Niger belongs most probably to a still scientifically undescribed species. For the reasons mentioned above the fish is listed on our stocklist as Auchenoglanis biscutatus.

All Auchenoglanis can grow to a length of more than 40 cm, but as they feed mainly on small food particles they are usually very peaceful against even much smaller tankmates. The meaty lips that serve for the detection for food in mud led to the nickname “kissing mouths” for Auchenoglanis in aquaristic circles.

For our customers: the fish have code 100212 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Clarias gariepinus

3. September 2018

The airbreathing catfishes of the genus Clarias are among the most important food fishes that are bred in aqua culture in the tropics. They are absolutely undemanding in respect of water quality and the fact that they readily accept any food as long as it contains enough protein makes them ideal candidates for aqua culture. They are fast growing and can survive for hours outside the water due to their breathing organ. So they can be offered alive on the foodmarkets, where other fish often rotten quite fast due to the heat. Mainly the species Clarias gariepinus is bred that way all over the world where the temperatures allow this. Initially this catfish originates from Africa. The species can effect huge ecological problems where it escapes.

Clarias gariepinus is not an aquarium fish in the usual sense. It is rather dull coloured and becomes too large for that. But it is an intelligent fish, a real personality that can be trained for example on whistles. Many breeders of ornamental fish keep a Clarias to have an opportunity to use deformed bred fishes as feeder fish and so to fulfill the animal wellfare laws.

For our customers: C. gariepinus has code 114854 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Synodontis soloni

23. February 2018

We obtained a very rarely offered squeaker catfish from the Congo: Synodontis soloni. The species is medium sized (for squeakers): 20-25 cm long specimens can be called real big ones. The large caudal fin and the slender body give hints that this is a rheophilic species. Against conspecifics our specimens, which are currently 12-15 cm long, are quite peaceful. Obviously these fish live in dark places, as they eyes have strongly reflecting zones. This leads to funny artefacts in pictures taken with flashlights. We have added one picture to that post – a portrait – in which we left the artefact. In the others we have removed the „red-eyes-effect“ in a way that the fish look like one observes them with the bare eye.

There are two scientifically described, exrtremely simlar species that originate from the very same region and differ from S. soloni only by a few minor differences (eye diameter, shape of the humeral process, shape of the adipose fin, proportions of the body, shape of barbels). These species are named as Synodontis smiti and S. camelopardalis. However, in our import (35 specimens) many intermediate animals are respresented in respect of colouration, so we feel unable to assort them in a senseful way. Possibly S. smiti and S. camelopardalis are only synonyms to S. soloni. In any case the latter is the earliest described species (soloni 1899, smiti 1902, camelopardalis 1971).

For our customers: the fish have code 186804 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Parauchenoglanis punctatus

17. November 2017

Among the imports from central Africa this beautiful catfish is a real rarity. It is known so far only from the central Congo basin. From that region only few fish are imported regulary.

It is also very interesting that our imported specimens (they have a length of 6-8 cm) already show a sexual dimorphism (body proportions, larger fins in males).

For our customers: the fish have code 100351 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholsale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Gymnallabes typus

9. October 2017

We obtain a very strange catfish on a regular basis from Nigeria: Gymnallabes typus. Sadly the fish has been given the name Channalabes apus in the hobby; this is a different species from the Congo. The catfish has an eel-like body, becomes 20-30 cm long, has an impressive mustache and tiny little eyes. In the natural habitat this species lives in wet leaves. The biotope often looks like anything but a water. Here Gymnallabes apus lives and he is perfectly adopted to that habitat. The catfish belongs to the very few species of fish that are able to leave the water and make prey on land. Moreove this fish is not beathing by gills alone but has an aditional beathing organ that allows the fish to breath atmospheric air.

In the wild, this fish feeds mainly on insects, but in the aquarium it feeds literally anything that fits the mouth and is meaty, even very small fish. But all in all this catfish can be characterized as a very peaceful animal. The only „must have“ of the fish are dark hiding places. In all other respects Gymnallabes typus is absolutely undemanding in aquaria.

For our customers: the fish have code 111501 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Synodontis batensoda

26. June 2017

There does exist a good number of species of Synodontis that tend to swim upside down. The best known species is without any doubt the upside down cat, Synodontis nigriventris from the Congo. Now we were able to import the very rarely offered Synodontis batensoda from Nigeria, which shows a similar behaviour.

It seems to be quite unimportant for the fish in which position it swims actually. But one can see from the very dark coloration of the belly that the upside-down postion is very often used. Species of fish with a “normal” swimming behaviour have light bellies, so they do not contrast much with the sky. Many predatory fish hunt from below, so this coloration is necessary.

S. batensoda attains usually a length of about 25 cm (maximum size recorded is about 50 cm) and should be kept in larger aquaria. The species is quite social and should be never kept alone. S. batensoda will eat small fish, but is usually very peaceful against larger, other species. Formerly S. batensoda was placed in the monotypic genus Brachysynodontis.

For our customers: the fish have code 103003 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Auchenoglanis wittei

10. February 2016

Until
recently only two species of Auchenoglanis were commonly accepted,
namely A. biscutatus and A. occidentalis. This changed with the revision
of Retzer (2010), who recognizes eight different species. In the Congo
the genus is represented by Auchenoglanis wittei, which can be easily
identified by the “reticulated giraffe”-pattern of the body. However,
this is the species most commonly referred to as A. occidentalis in
aquarium literature (the”real” A. occidentalis is spotted as juvenile
and uniformly brown as adult; it occurs in the Senegal, Casamange, and
Gambia rivers and is not imported as a aquarium fish). So it will most
probably take a lot of time until the correct determination will be
known by hobbyists.

Auchenoglanis
wittei is a very peaceful and attractive catfish, but one should keep
in mind that it attains at least a length of about 30 cm. So it is
suited only for large aquaria in along-time sight. Our juvenile imports
are currently 5-7 cm long.

For our customers: the fish have code 100302 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Synodontis ocellifer

3. March 2015

This
is another catfish-beauty originating from Nigeria. Someone once said
that this species of Synodontis can be characterized by three
adjectives: peaceful, beautiful, and hardy. In fact S. ocellifer is one
of the most peaceful species of Synodontis at all. The maximum length of
S. ocellifer is about 20 cm. When they get older they become more and
more deep-bodied.

The
spots on the flanks differ individually in size and number. Also the
basic colouration varies from yellowish over several brownish tinges to
grey. Aged fishes often get a light center in the spots of the body what
makes them look especially attractive.

Like
most members of the genus Synodontis this species is omnivorous. Plants
are not eaten usually, but one should be careful that eventual
tankmates are not too small. Otherwise they make be taken for food. This
Synodontis should be kept in groups (from 5 specimens upwards). Water
temperature should be between 22 and 28°C. Hardness and pH are almost
meaningless for keeping this squeaker, any tap water that is drinkable
can be used.

For our customers: the fish have code 184702 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Synodontis sorex

16. January 2015

Two weeks ago we presented to you some species of catfish we imported from Nigeria. This wonderful shipment contained also some by-catches, which are species that were send erroneously along with the ordered specimens.

One of these by-catches came with Synodontis clarias. It was the extremely rarely imported species Synodontis sorex. This “Scissortail-Squeaker” has a very unusaul shape of the mouth that looks rather like the suckermouth of a South American Ancistrus than like the typical mouth of a Synodontis. In fact, S. sorex is able to feed very effective from plain surfaces like stones, roots, plant leaves etc..

The animals – a total of seven individuals – were given to a specialist for Synodontis who keeps a very large aquarium. They showed much more schooling behaviour than we are used to see in Synodontis. S. sorex is said to attain a maximum length of more than 40 cm. Adults are uniformly grey and very deep bodied. This is one of the reasons why we gave the fish to a specialist: we are very curious how our fish will develop!!

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Nigeria
Verfügbare Größe in cm	6-7

Parailia pellucida

10. December 2014

The species in our small series on catfishes from Nigeria is – in contrast to the species described so far – always available and it fits perfectly in any community tank: the African Glass Catfish, Parailia pellucida. The maximum length is given with 15 cm in literature; however, we see only very rarely specimens larger than 8 cm.

The African Glass Catfish is no closer relative of the Asian Glass Catfish. The latter belongs to the family of Siluridae, which also contains the European Wels (Silurus glanis), whereas the African species belongs to the family of Schilbeidae. The best known species of Asian Glass Catfish is Kryptopterus vitreolus, see http://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/archiv.php?news_id=700. The similar look and behaviour of the glass catfish from African and Asia is due to similar lifestyle and environments, it does not reflect any genetic relationship. This can be compared with birds and bats. Both have wings and can fly, but the are not close relatives to each other.

Externally P. pellucida can be easily recognized by the presence of an adipose fin (absent in Kryptopterus) and eight long barbels around the mouth (only two in Kryptopterus). But in any other respect both types of glass catfish are very similar. They are peaceful plankton feeders that should be always kept in company of their own kind. The fish love well planted tanks with a good number of places to cover and not too strong lightning. The fish feed readily on any type of usual fishfood. They are completely undemanding in respect of water hardness and pH, any water that fits as drinking water for humans will do for the fish.

For our customers: the fish have code 155904 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Nigeria
Verfügbare Größe in cm	6-8

Bagrus filamentosus

4. December 2014

The
African genus Bagrus contains large, predatory catfish. The maximum
size of the different species is between 30 cm and more than one meter!
Sadly the determination of the species is rather difficult, because most
of the 11 species that are regarded as valid currently have been
described before WW2. A modern revision does not exist.

Bagrus
filamentosus is an exciting exception of this rule. The all in all
comparatively slender species belongs to the smaller members of the
genus. Against conspecifics and other fish Bagrus are usually peaceful,
but one should never underestimate the size of the mouth. Every fish
that fits that mouth will be eaten!

Our
recent shipment of Bagrus filamentosus contains as bycatch another
species of Bagrus, possibly Bagrus docmak. This species is much plumper
and has a shorter head. One must estimate that these babies will grow to
the size of real foodfish. So they should be kept in real large aquaria
only.

For our customers: the fish have code 100554 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Synodontis clarias

4. December 2014

This
week we want to focus on unusual species of catfish from Nigeria.
Today: Synodontis clarias. This is the first species of Synodontis that
became known by scientists. The original scientific description dates
back to 1758 and was done by Linnaeus. Nevertheless the species is
exported only very occasionally for aquaristic purposes. The fish
attains a length of more than 30 cm. It has an enormous distibution: the
Nile, Chad, Niger, Volta, Gambia and Senegal. S. clarias is a food fish
in all countries it occurs.

Juveniles,
like the 6-8 cm long specimens we were able to import now, look very
different to adults in respect of coloration. Adults have a
slate-coloured body and a red caudal fin.

For our customers: the fish have code 174803 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Synodontis batensoda

1. December 2014

There does exist a good number of species of Synodontis that tend to swim upside down. The best known species is without any doubt the upside down cat, Synodontis nigriventris from the Congo. Now we were able to import the very rarely offered Synodontis batensoda from Nigeria, which shows a similar behaviour.

S. batensoda attains a length of about 25 cm and should be kept in larger aquaria. The species is quite social and should be never kept alone. S. batensoda will eat small fish, but is usually very peaceful against larger, other species. Formerly S. batensoda was placed in the monotypic genus Brachysynodontis.

For our customers: the fish have code 103003 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Nigeria
Verfügbare Größe in cm	6-8

Clarias gariepinus marbled

20. October 2014

Sometimes it is almost impossible to distinguish between a food fish and an ornamental fish. The marbled Clarias is, however, bred in Southeast Asia as a food fish for human consumption. It grows extremely fast, is very hardy and can survive on the market without water for many hours, because it has an accessory breathing organ.

But now and then these fish are also offered by the breeders to the ornamental fish trade. One must clearly say that these catfish grow up to 50 cm in length and eat any tankmate that fits the large mouth. Nevertheless Clarias can become nice pets and real members of the household. They become tame and show some personality. And then a food fish has become finally an ornamental fish!

For our customers: the fish have code 114782 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Indonesien / Indonesia
Verfügbare Größe in cm	6-8

Synodontis notatus

7. October 2014

We
were able to import a pretty species of squeaker from the Congo:
Synodotis notatus. The species attains a maximum length of about 25 cm
and is worth mentioning for at least two reasons: first, the number of
spots on the flanks varies a lot individually. Most specimens have only
one spot, but there are also some with two,three or even more sports.
And twice, this lively and also day-active squeaker is one of the most
peaceful species of the genus.

For our customers: the fish have code 183802 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Synodontis robertsi

18. August 2014

The squeakers (Synodontis) are a very species-rich genus. More than 130 species are known, all of them originate from Africa. In the countries of their origin most species are used for food. In the aquarium hobby most species are unknown with a few exceptions.

Among the most pretty, smallest and rarest species of Synodontis is S. robertsi. Finally we were able to import a small number of that rarity once more. The species became known to science only in 1974. As far as it is known it lives exclusively in the river Lukenie, which is a tributary to the central Congo river. The maximum length reported for S. robertsi is about 10 cm. Against conspecifics and other fish this squeaker is completely peaceful. Squeakers are most active at dawn, but well settled specimens leave their hiding places also during daytime, especially when the fish are fed.

Squeakers are omnivorous fishes that feed readily on any type of usual fish food. These fish become usually very old in aquaria. They reach easily an age of 10 years or more.

For our customers: the fish have code 186302 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade. Available in very limited numbers only!

Lexicon: Synodontis: an ancient name for a nowadays unknown species of fish in the Nile river. robertsi: dedication name.

Common name: Roberts´ squeaker

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	D. R. Congo
Verfügbare Größe in cm	6-8

Synodontis bastiani

7. March 2014

The squeakers (Synodontis) are a species-rich genus of catfish from Africa. Currently 131 accepted species are known. The maximum size of these fish lies between 8 cm and 60 cm. Most species attain a maximum length of 15-20 cm in the aquarium. In their home-countries these fish are very common and heavily used as food fish. Sadly only very few species are imported on a regular basis. Squeakers are very interesting fish, for they have a complicated social structure. One should always try to keep them in groups. Spacious tanks with lots of hiding places are essential for keeping these fish. Regarding water chemistry they are undemanding. They will live happily in any type of tap water. Food is mostly composed from meat, in the wild Synodontis feed in insects, small fish and Aufwuchs. If a Synodontis is caught and held out of the water is makes a loud squeaking sound – that is the reason for the common name of the genus.

We could import after a quite long time again Synodontis bastiani (S. eburneensis is a well-known synonym) from Nigeria. The species can be best recognized by the dark should spot. The body coloration can be plain or spotted, this differs individually. A special juvenile coloration has not been described for that specires so far. However, our smallest individuals have still two light bands on the caudal peduncle, which is a typical feature for many juvenile states of squeaker. According to the literature S. bastiani can attain a maximum length of 25-30 cm.

For our customers: the fish have code 172603 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Nigeria
Verfügbare Größe in cm	7-8

Synodontis pardalis

20. January 2014

We received with the current Cameroon importation this beautiful squeaker, which can attain a maximum length of about 20 cm. The species is known only from the river Dja and its affluent Libi. This is the reason why the fish is considered an endangered species, for the Dja is heavily destroyed and polluted due to intensive Cobalt mining. So it is very gratifying that S. pardalis becomes imported every now and then, which makes specimens available for breeding and conservation programs.

Synodontis pardalis belongs to a group of very slender species of Synodontis, as do also S. decorus and S. brichardi. Against each other they are astonishingly peaceful. This squeaker should be kept in groups of 5-8 specimens. Regarding feeding and water chemistry the species is undemanding.

For our customers: the fish have code 183505 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Synodontis: an old name for an undetermined fish from the Nile. pardalis: means “with the pattern of a leopard”.

Suggestion of a common name: Leopard-Squeaker

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Kamerun / Cameroon

Synodontis nigriventris – finally available again!

28. May 2013

This species represents without any doubt the most popular African catfish at all. The Upside Down Cat (Synodontis nigriventris) has reached us in good numbers and a perfect size again. Currently the fish are 3-4 cm long.

For our customers: the fish have code 183402 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Synodontis multipunctatus

9. November 2011

Code: 183003

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Tanganjikasee / Lake Tanganyika
Verfügbare Größe in cm	12 - 15

Synodontis sp. aff. nigriventris ZEBRA

27. September 2011

We currently have a limited number of the very pretty and rare Synodontis sp. aff. nigriventris ZEBRA in stock. The species differs from the “common” Upside Down Catfish by the extremely contrasting pattern. The species is – as far as it is known – restricted to the Mai Ndome region in the DR Congo. Size of our specimens: around 4 cm.

For our customers: the fish have code 183414 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	D.R. Congo
Verfügbare Größe in cm	3-5

Parauchenoglanis punctatus

4. February 2010

Parauchenoglanis punctatus: Among the imports from central Africa this beautiful catfish is a real rarity. It is known so far only from the central Congo basin. From that region only few fish are imported regulary.

The species attains a length of approximately 40 cm. Thus it is a perfect tankmate for show aquaria with larger species of cichlid, barb or tetra. Interestingly the gut of specimens in the field contained only parts of plant material, insect larvae and shrimp, but no fish. Nevertheless it seems not wise to keep too small fish along with them. It is very interesting that our imported specimens (they have a length of 6-8 cm) already show a sexual dimorphism (body proportions, larger fins in males).

For our customers: the fish have code 100351 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholsale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	D.R. Congo
Verfügbare Größe in cm	6-8

Synodontis lucipinna (= dwarf petricola)

7. October 2009

This beautiful Synodontis is a real dwarf compared with its numerous congeneers: it reaches only 8-10 cm (very old specimens in extreme spacy aquaria may reach 15 cm). In the hobby it became popular under the name “dwarf petricola”. Some species of Synodontis occuring in Lake Tanganyika (where S. lucipinnis is an endemic species) have a cuckoo breeding behaviour: they spawn together with spawning, mouthbrooding cichlids. They eggs hatch together with the cichlid´s eggs in the mouth of the mother where the young Synodontis feed on eggs and fry of the cichlids.

Breeding behaviour of the “dwarf petricola” is totally different. They are regular open brooders and egg scatterers that produce a lot more eggs than their cuckoo relatives. We offer the “dwarf petricola” which is probably identical with the species described by Wright & Page as Synodontis lucipinnis as German bred.

This Synodontis is a perfect tankmate for any cichlid in a Lake Tanganyika tank. The species should be kept in groups (five specimens upwards) for they have a very specialized sozial behaviour. Specimens kept solitary may become a plague to tankmates. They try to get in contact with them and biting is a common way of communication in Synodontis.

For our customers: the animals have code 185403 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale market.

Lexicon:
Synodontis: an old name for an undetermined fish from the Nile. petricola: from ancient Greek, meaning “rock dweller”. lucipinnis: from Latin “lucidus” = bright, clear and “pinna” = fin, referring to the clear window at the base of each dark triangle on the fins (exception: the caudal fin), which is species-specific for S. lucipinnis. endemic: this means that a species is found only there and nowhere else in the World.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Synodontis granulosus

6. June 2008

(June 6th 2008) Actually we are able to supply one of the most beautiful member of the Synodontis family. They come from the Lake Tanganjika so they need harder water with a higher pH. These are extremely active fishes which grow up to 25cm, so they should only be kept in bigger tanks. Adults are aggressive among themselves, which is the main reason why they are not bred so far. They are very peaceful to other inhabitants of a Lake Tanganjika tank, so they are real beauties in your cichlid tank.

(Photo F.Schäfer, Text K.Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Afrika Lake Tanganjika
Verfügbare Größe in cm	8-10 & 10-14

Microsynodontis polli

6. July 2007

Microsynodontis polli is one of three poorly documented pygmy Synodontis species, the other two being M. lamberti and M. batesii. They origin from Western to Central Africa, M. polli is reported for the upper Niger in Guinea and Liberia. Their maintenance is no problem as long as the water is soft and slightly acidic, although people have successfully kept them in neutral to slightly alkaline water. A moderate current will do. It is a very peaceful fish. They do best in species tanks. Or at least, the tank should not have any boisterous species such as larger Cichlids. As they are schooling fish they should be kept in a group of 6 or more. M. polli will take most prepared aquarium foods such as frozen bloodworm, whiteworm, tablet food and sunken flake. Breeding reports are not known. Females are rounder in the body than males.

(Photo: Erwin Schraml, Text: Klaus Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Guinea, Liberia

Synodontis angelicus

6. July 2007

From the Katanga province of the Congo we could import some partly striped specimen of Synodontis angelicus. Formerly these forms were regarded as the subspecies Synodontis angelicus zonatus, today they are considered however as a color variant of the species. In any case they are very decorative and should not be missing in Congo basins were they can be kept together with congo tetras or large barbs.

(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Kongo

Synodontis eupterus

6. July 2007

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Nördliches zentrales Afrika, Niger, Nil, Tschad, Volta

Phyllonemus typus

6. July 2007

The Spatula-barbeled Catfish, endemic for Lake Tanganyika, has a very special way of reproduction for catfish: they are biparental mouthbreeder. This small catfish is the only representative of its genus and can be easily distinguished by the long barbels on both sides of the upper jaw, which are ending into a spatula form. The total length of the fish is ca. 9 cm. Caring these fish in the aquarium should not be too difficult. These are nocturnal animals who will come out for feeding however during daytime. But mostly they rest, during the light phase, on dark places or caves, which have to be available in the fish tank. These are peaceful fish although any fish small enough to fit in their mouth, and therefore seen as food, might be eaten.(Photo: Frank Schäfer, Text: Izaak den Daas)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Tanganjika See