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FACTSHEETS: December 2018 - no. 270

Synodontis granulosus Boulenger, 1900


most sought after species from the Mochokidae family is the very stunning looking Synodontis granulosus. This Synodontis is not very abundant in Lake Tanganyika as it lives in a deep water habitat with a solitary lifestyle so the price in your LFS will always be high if you are lucky enough to see this beautiful species.

 

Synodontis granulosus

 

There are hybrids around pertaining to be this species but the price will be the first warning sign as cheaper fish means there is a good chance that it is not S. granulosus but a hybrid hormone bred in the Czech Republic, where they have been very adept at producing hormone bred injected hybrids for many years for the aquatic trade. As in the above image you can see the true trait of Synodontis granulosus with all fins black with a white margin and (according to the light source) a blackish/brown body.

 

 

Synodontis granulosus

 

Above is a specimen showing a lighter body colour due to the stress or bright light with small black spots. A large aquarium of at least 60ins x 24ins x 24ins (150cm x 60cm x 60cm) would be better as they do not do well in small aquaria.

 

 

Distrbution: Africa: Burundi, Tanganyika. Type locality: North end of Lake Tanganyika.

 

In the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species it has a tag of Least Concern. Lives in areas of shells, sand and mud/silt, over a wide depth range, but more often between 20–40m. Thought to feed on invertebrates.

 

Common Name

Granular Synodontis

Synonyms

None

Family

Mochokidae

Subfamily

Mochocinae

Distribution

Africa: Burundi, Tanganyika. Type locality: North end of Lake Tanganyika.

Size

25.0cm (10ins)

Temp.

23-26°C (73-79°F)

p.H.

7.5-8.5.

Characteristics

Deep body with the caudal peduncle fairly shallow. Humeral process is long and narrow, keeled below, and pointed at the tip. High and long adipose fin which originates just behind the dorsal fin. Caudal fin is deeply forked.

Colouration

Adults have a grey-brown body which they are small indistinct dark spots. Fins are black/brown with white margins to the posterior parts. Barbels white. Juveniles are lighter with a pattern pf distinct dots and spots.

Aquarium Care & Compatibility

Usually better to keep as a lone specimen as two individuals will fight. Either that or keep five or six in a large biotope lake aquarium as this will dilute the aggression. Will be okay with other species of Synodontis. Keep as with all members of Synodontis from Lake Tanganyika, with a higher p.H. value. Would do well in a large lake biotope aquarium with hard water cichlids but would pick of any small juveniles at night.

Reproduction

Oviparous. Distinct pairing during breeding.

Sexual Differences

The genital papilla on males is well developed and pointed, while the females have only a lightly raised, rounded protrusion and also a stockier looking body.

Diet

Omnivores: Will eat most aquarium fare, vegetable, meaty and prepared foods.

Glossary of Terms

Adipose fin: Fleshy finlike projection without rays, behind the rayed dorsal fin.
Caudal fin: The tail.
Caudal peduncle: The narrow part of a fish's body to which the caudal or tail fin is attached.
Dorsal fin: The primary rayed fin(s) on top of the body.
Humeral process: Bony extension of the pectoral girdle.
Hybrid: The progeny of two individuals belonging to different species; the progeny of two individuals belonging to different subspecies of the same species are not hybrids.

Etymology

Synodontis: Syn = together; odontis =  teeth (fused tooth plates).
granulosus: Named after the nature of skin with granules.

References

Ntakimazi, G. 2006. Synodontis granulosus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2006.
Seegers, L. 2008 The catfishes of Africa. A handbook for identification and maintenance. Aqualog Verlag A.C.S. GmbH, Germany. 604 p.

Photo Credits

Top image: ©  Johnny Jensen's Photographic Library
Bottom image: © Allan James @ ScotCat

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ScotCat Sources

Etymology = Genus Etymology-genera

Etymology = Species Etymology-specific name

 

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