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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.

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.

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.

Granular Synodontis

None

Mochocinae

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

25.0cm (10ins)

23-26°C (73-79°F)

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.

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.

Oviparous. Distinct pairing during breeding.

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

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

Photo Credits

Top image: ©  
Bottom image: © Allan James @