Synodontis granulosus Boulenger,
1900
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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.
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. |
|
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.
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.
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 |
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.
|
| Compatibility |
Would do well in a large lake biotope aquarium
with hard water cichlids but would pick of any small juveniles
at night.
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.
|
| Feeding |
Omnivores: Will eat most aquarium fare,
vegetable, meaty and prepared foods.
| Glossary
of Terms |
Caudal peduncle:
The narrow part of a fish's body to which the caudal or
tail fin is attached.
Caudal fin: The tail.
Humeral process:
Bony extension of the pectoral girdle.
Adipose fin: Fleshy finlike projection
without rays, behind the rayed dorsal fin.
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.
Dorsal fin: The primary rayed fin(s) on
top of the body.
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| Etymology |
Synodontis:
From the Greek syn, meaning together, and odontos, meaning
tooth; in reference to the closely-spaced lower jaw teeth.
|
| References |
Ntakimazi,
G. 2006. Synodontis
granulosus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2006:
e.T60809A12410670. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2006.RLTS.T60809A12410670.en.
Downloaded on 26 November 2018.
Seegers, L. 2008 The catfishes of Africa.
A handbook for identification and maintenance. Aqualog Verlag
A.C.S. GmbH, Germany. 604 p.
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| Photo
Credits |
Top: © 
Bottom: © Allan
James @  |
|
|
| Synonyms:
|
| None |
| Common
Name: |
| Granular Synodontis |
| Family: |
| Mochokidae |
| Subfamily: |
|
| Distribution: |
| Africa:
Burundi, Tanganyika. Type locality: North end
of Lake Tanganyika |
| Size: |
| 25.0cm. (10ins) |
| Temp: |
| 23-26°C (73 -79°F) |
| pH.: |
| 7.5 -8.5. |
| Donation: |
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