Synodontis
waterloti Daget, 1962 |
his Synodontis is not very common in imports but is certainly
one of the nicest marked specimens from the Synodontis genus.The
base colour can vary from having a yellow background with dark brown
markings to a more duller brown base colour.
David Sands noted in his Catfishes of the
World Vol.2 that the colour changes can be brought upon by the
colour of the substrate, the lighter the substrate, the lighter
and better colour will show on the body of S.waterloti.
Poll noted that the pectoral spines are highly serrated on the
front edge and this character could be individual to this species.
I find that a good method of identification are the spots on the
head area which also reside on the head shield and to the beginning
of the humeral process, (the part of the head shield that projects
back just above the pectoral fins).
The genus Synodontis sports three
pairs of barbels 1pair: maxillary, 1 pair: outer mandibular and
one pair of inner mandibular barbels that are branched (filaments).
There are only three species that have filaments on their maxillary
barbels as well as the mandibular, and they are, S.clarias,
S.decorus and S.flavitaeniatus.
Pectoral spines highly serrated on the front
edge.
Yellow to light tan background with small
spots to head area. Rest of body with brown spots and blotches.
Spots and blotches carry on into the adipose fin.
I do not have much information on the suitability
of this species in the aquarium but I would imagine that it would
not be too aggressive to other confidants, but do bare in mind that
most Synodontis like to have their own territory, be it a
cave or pipes, to feel comfortable in their surroundings.
Not recorded.
Will take most prepared aquarium foods such
as frozen bloodworm, whiteworm, shrimp, prawns, tablet food, flake
food and pellets. A wide varied diet will provide a healthy specimen
for many years.
| Etymology |
Synodontis:
Syn = together; odontis = teeth.(fused
tooth plates).
waterloti
: After a personal name.
|
| References |
Sands,David.
Catfishes of the World, Vol 2 Mochokidae.
Danny Blundell |
