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Lindsay Dobree-Carey (2) Allan James (3) Jiri Pistil (1) Hippocampus Bildarchiv (3)

The unusual trait of this Synodontis is the long extension of the dorsal fin which can reach as far back as its caudal fin and along with its attractive body colouration and docile nature, makes it one of the more popular catfish of this genus. There has been reported hybrids of this species in the trade and they have been proven to be more quarrelsome. Aquarium Care: You will have to choose its tankmates carefully as small characins will be viewed as lunch to an adult S. decorus on its night-time foraging but a good addition to a large community tank. Diet: In their native habitat they live on invertebrates, small fishes and crustaceans.In the aquarium they will take a wide range of foods bearing in mind that it might be better to feed at night to make sure that they get their fair share in a community tank. They will accept live food, frozen food (bloodworm) tablet foods and a good quality flake food.

Clown Catfish

Synodontis labeo, Synodontis vittatus

Mochokidae

Africa: Congo basin except Luapula River system. Type locality: Léopoldville et Nouvelle-Anvers; [restricted to Nouvelle-Anvers by lectotype designation]

25.0cm. (10ins)

22-27°C (71-81°F)

6.5-7.5.

Ferraris, C.J. Jr., 2007. Checklist of catfishes, recent and fossil (Osteichthyes: Siluriformes), and catalogue of siluriform primary types. Zootaxa 1418:1-628.
ScotCat Factsheet: no. 54. Dec. 2000.