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Synodontis robertsi Poll, 1974

Image contributors to this species:

Allan James (2) Hippocampus Bildarchiv (1) K. A. Webb (1) Dave Rinaldo (3)

ScotCat Sources:

Other Sources:

Relevant Information:

Description: This species can be confused with the much larger Synodontis caudalis but the point to look out for in S. robertsi is the unusual large eyes similar to S. alberti the bigger ornate pattern on the body and short barbels, while S. caudalis has smaller eyes, longer barbels, and also grows larger at 20cm SL, it can also be territorial when larger. S. robertsi has a deeply forked caudal fin similar to S. caudalis with the top lobe being slightly longer than the bottom lobe. S. robertsi has a stripe running from the eye to the mouth. Aquarium Care: Synodontis robertsi is a very peacfull fish and a prime candidate for an average sized community tank. Diet: The usual feeding for Synodontis species, being good quality flake food, tablet food, frozen bloodworm, shrimp and prawns. Etymology: The specific name robertsi: Named in honour of Mr.Tyson R. Roberts of the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard. Remarks: The last three thumbnail images show the growth and colour pattern over a four and a half year period.

Common Name:

Roberts Catfish

Synonyms:

None

Family:

Mochokidae

Distribution:

Africa: Known from the type locality, River Lukenie, Central Democratic Republic of the Congo. Type locality: Riv. Lukenie à Elombe, ferry landing, lat. 2º49'S, long.18º14'E.

Size:

7.5cm. (3ins)

Temp:

22-26°C (71-79°F)

p.H.

6.2-7.5.

IUCN Red List

Synodontis robertsi is only known from the holotype at the type locality Elombe on the Lukenie River, Central Congo River basin. The species may be more widespread than is currently known. More information is needed on the species distribution before an assessment can be made (Needs updating IUCN 2010).

Reference:

Moelants, T. 2010. Synodontis robertsi. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2010.
Northern Area Catfish Group, Information Sheet 48.
ScotCat Factsheet: no. 18. Dec. 1997.

Family: Mochokidae Back to Ident-A-Cat Click on Thumbnails

Synodontis robertsi

Synodontis robertsi

Synodontis robertsi
30th June 2016

Synodontis robertsi
11th Dec. 2016-7cm SL

Synodontis robertsi
11th Jan. 2021-8cm SL

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