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FACTSHEETS: November 2012 - no. 197

Synodontis ocellifer Boulenger, 1900


his Synodontis along with
S. eupterus, S. angelicus and S. decorus are probably, from the hobbyists point of view, the best known for identification with the yellow-brown caste or grey body and the large black spots and large adipose fin.

 

Synodontis ocellifer

Synodontis ocellifer

 

As mentioned it is recognised by its large adipose fin, large spots on the body and its feathered mandibular barbels. As they grow into adulthood they will become deeper bodied and the spots will take on a ring pattern as shown in the image below.

 

 

Synodontis ocellifer - close up of ring pattern spots

Synodontis ocellifer - close up of ring pattern spots in adults

 

This is one of the Synodontis that is farmed in the breeding establishments on the fish farms in the far east but wild imports are sometimes available from West Africa. This makes this species relatively inexpensive to the aquarist and along with its moderate temperament makes it a great start for venturing into the world of Mochokidae cats.

 

Synodontis ocellifer - juvenile

Synodontis ocellifer - juvenile

 

Common Name

Eye-spot Synodontis

Synonyms

None

Family

Mochokidae

Subfamily

Mochocinae

Distribution

Africa: Various river basins from Senegal to Chad (Senegal, Gambia, Volta, Chad, Niger  basins); including the Bénoué. Type locality: Kunchow Creek, River Gambia.

Size

18.0cm (7ins)

Temp.

23-27°C (73-81°F)

p.H.

6.5-7.2.

Characteristics

Deep body with high long based adipose fin. Large eyes. Feathered mandibular barbels.

Colouration

Base colour can vary from a yellow/brown caste to a light grey. Belly is lighter.

Aquarium Care & Compatibility

Quite an easy species to keep in a larger aquarium. Non aggressive.

Reproduction

Not reported.

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 eat most prepared aquarium foods including vegetables such as cucumber.

Glossary of Terms

Adipose fin: Fleshy finlike projection without rays, behind the rayed dorsal fin.
Mandibular barbels: Pertaining to the lower jaw (mandibular barbels).

Etymology

Synodontis: From the Greek syn, meaning together, and odontos, meaning tooth; in reference to the closely-spaced lower jaw teeth.
ocellifers: Bearing eye-like spots.

References

Sands, David. Catfishes of the World, Vol 2 Mochokidae. Dunure Publications 1983.
Seegers, L. 2008 The catfishes of Africa. A handbook for identification and maintenance. Aqualog Verlag A.C.S. GmbH, Germany. 604 p.

Photo Credits

First & Second images © Danny Blundell
Bottom image: © Julian Dignall @  Planet Catfish

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ScotCat Sources

Etymology = Genus Etymology-genera

Etymology = Species Etymology-specific name

 

Other Sources

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