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FACTSHEETS: June 2016 - no. 240

Synodontis longirostris Boulenger, 1902


s I do love the Synodontis genera
and have for many years I couldn't help but compile another factsheet on them and a real beauty to boot in the "Long-Nosed Synodontis" S. longirostris. Not a colourful species but none the less an impressive looking Synodontis when in good condition. I spied a group of them in a large tank in Pier Aquatics, the premier aquatic outlet in Wigan northern England, and a haven for us catfish aficionados. I couldn't take any of them home as tank space was at a premium and with a stated SL of 50cm (20ins) it was definitely a no no.

 

Synodontis longirostris

Synodontis longirostris

 

This is one of the easier species of Synodontis to identify with the spotted body and the long down turned mouth. The SL size of 50cm (20ins) may not be obtainable in the home aquarium as it is in its natural habitat but nonetheless it is a fairly large species and would need a sizeable tank to house them.

 

 

Synodontis longirostris - head and mouth view showing the tooth plates.

Synodontis longirostris - head & mouth view showing the tooth plates

 

Shape of humeral process

Shape of humeral process

Shape of the mouth plates

Shape of the tooth plates

 

The above two images show the shape of the humeral process and the tooth plate of S. longirostris.

 

Common Name

Long-Nosed Synodontis

Synonyms

Synodontis ovidus

Family

Mochokidae

Subfamily

Mochocinae

Distribution

Africa: Congo basin. Type locality: Rivière Yembe à Banzyville.

Size

50.0cm (20ins)

Temp.

21-24°C (69-75°F)

p.H.

6.2-7.5.

Characteristics

Small eyes. Small and low adipose fin. A long, conical, prominent snout. Small and supero-lateral, 1.7 (1.7 to 3.6) time in interorbital space that is flat. Humeral process is triangular or subtriangular, the tip is generally obtuse or sometimes truncated, granular and without Crest, 2.2 (1.8 to 2.9) times as long as high.

Colouration

Light grey to brown/olive, fully dotted with black spots. quite large and rounded, smaller on the head. Underbelly largely clear with only a few spots scattered here and there. All the fins dotted with black spots.

Aquarium Care & Compatibility

Can be a little territorial as most Synodontis will be but no problems in a large aquarium. Provide hiding places to decrease any territorial aggressions. Any larger Characins and peaceful Cichlids.

Reproduction

Not reported, but they pair of to breed in their natural habitat.

Sexual Differences

It is likely that the sexes can be externally differentiated by females having a proportionately wider and deeper body than the males. There may also be differences in the vent area.

Diet

Will take most prepared aquarium foods such as frozen bloodworm, whiteworm, shrimp, prawns, insect larvae, tablet food, a good quality flake food and pellets. A wide varied diet will provide a healthy specimen for many years. They prefer to feed from the bottom hence their downturned conical snout.

Glossary of Terms

Adipose fin: Fleshy finlike projection without rays, behind the rayed dorsal fin.
Caudal fin: The tail.
Humeral process: Bony extension of the pectoral girdle.
Truncate: Cut off, blunt. (as in squared off caudal fin).

Etymology

Synodontis: Syn = together; odontis =  teeth (fused tooth plates).
longirostris
: Long snout.

References

Breder, C.M. and D.E. Rosen, 1966. Modes of reproduction in fishes. T.F.H. Publications, Neptune City, New Jersey. 941 p.
Poll, M., 1971. Révision des Synodontis africains (famille Mochocidae). Ann. Mus. R. Afr. Centr., Sci. Zool., 191:1-497.
Seegers, L. 2008 The catfishes of Africa. A handbook for identification and maintenance. Aqualog Verlag A.C.S. GmbH, Germany. 604 p.

Photo Credits

© Allan James @ ScotCat
© Danny Blundell
Line Drawings from Poll, Max
; Revision Des Synodontis Africains (Famille Mochokidae) 1971.

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