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ne of the most recognisable and popular members of the Synodontis genera is "Alberts Synodontis" or "Bigeye Squeaker", Synodontis alberti, recognisable of course by its huge eyes, long maxillary barbels the large adipose fin and its almost straight dorsal.

Synodontis alberti

It is listed in the IUCN Red list of threatened species as of least concern. It is widespread or without major threats throughout the Central Africa assessment region.

Synodontis alberti - close up of mouth and barbels

Synodontis alberti - showing the large eye

Synodontis alberti tends not to swim or feed upside down as with some other species in this genera. Hinged teeth in the lower jaw are used as rasps to remove algae.

The genus Synodontis sports three pairs of barbels 1pair: maxillary, 1 pair: outer mandibular and one pair of inner mandibular barbels that are branched (filaments). There are only three species that have filaments on their maxillary barbels as well as the mandibular, and they are, S. clarias, S. decorus and S. flavitaeniatiatus.

Alberts Synodontis, Bigeye Squeaker 

None

Mochocinae

Africa: Central Dem Rep. Congo. Type locality: Kinshasa, Stanley Pool.

14.0cm (5½ins)

23-27°C (73-81°F)

Eye large, 3 to 3½ in length of head. Maxillary barbels simple, reaching caudal peduncle or caudal fin. Mandibular barbels with slender barbels, outer mandibular barbels 1.2/3 to 2 times length of head, inner mandibular barbels half as long as outer. Dorsal fin spine almost straight, as long, or longer than head, anterior edge smooth, posterior edge feebly serrated. Pectoral fin spine as long as, or a little shorter than head, strongly serrated on both sides. Caudal fin deeply forked, upper and lower lobes may be produced into filaments. Ventral fin not quite reaching to anal fin.

Body olive to brown, spotted with dark brown. Caudal, dorsal and anal fins with numerous small spots arranged in series. The colour pattern is variable, in some specimens the dark spots on the body predominate, making the olive base colour appear as reticulations.

Provide plenty of hiding places such as caves and root work with plants also an advantage with a sandy or fine gravel substrate. Nice temperament and will do well in the larger community tank alongside surface schooling fish as the exploration around the tank feeling with its maxilaary barbels may upset other lower tankmates. This is a somewhat timid and nocturnal species and as such should not be housed with aggressive fish such as large Cichlids.

Not recorded.

Can be fed a varied diet of good quality flake, tablet food, pellets, worm foods and frozen food such as bloodworm. Will benefit also to a vegetable diet such as cucumber and courgette (zucchini).

Synodontis: Syn = together; odontis =  teeth (fused tooth plates).
alberti: Probably named for Prince Albert, consort of Queen Victoria.

Gosse, J.-P., 1986. Mochokidae. p. 105-152. In J. Daget, J.-P. Gosse and D.F.E. Thys van den Audenaerde (eds.) Check-list of the freshwater fishes of Africa (CLOFFA). ISNB, Brussels, MRAC, Tervuren; and ORSTOM, Paris. Vol. 2.
Moelants, T. 2010. Synodontis alberti. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2010.
Riehl, R. and H.A. Baensch, 1987. Aquarien Atlas. Band. 1. Melle: Mergus, Verlag für Natur-und Heimtierkunde, Germany. 992 p.
Poll, M., 1971. Révision des Synodontis africains (famille Mochocidae). Ann. Mus. R. Afr. Centr., Sci. Zool., 191:1-497.

Photo Credits

© Allan James @
© Danny Blundell