Closely related to Synodontis
membranaceus and
Synodontis
batensoda. The
body shape is reminiscent of these two species but
S. resupinatus has short branches to the
maxillary barbels. Description: Dorsal
spines (total): 1; Anal spines: 0. Diagnosis: gill
slits not extending ventrally beyond pectoral-fin
insertions; maxillary barbels longer than head, bearing
externally short and tuberculate ramifications and
a broad membrane extending along their basal part;
outer mandibular barbels with simple, thick ramifications,
branches of inner mandibular barbels tuberculate,
sometimes subdivided; mandibular teeth short, numbering
59-66 (possibly up to 82); pectoral-fin spines very
strongly denticulate on inner margin, but nearly smooth
on outer margin; dorsal-fin spine denticulate on front
margin and prolonged into a filament; humeral process
deep, granulose and not keeled ventrally; adipose
fin very well developed and contiguous to rayed dorsal
fin; body deep; eyes large. Colouration:
General background greyish-brown, colour pattern inverted,
the ventral areas being dark. Aquarium Care:
As for the two afore mentioned species. It is a peaceful
and hardy fish even though it does grow quite big.
Give it a decent size tank and I would suggest a 4ft
being the minimum with an aquascape consisting of
rockwork or pipes for it to retire too, and large
plants such as Giant Valis (Vallisneria gigantea)
that grow partly along the water surface, and then
you could witness this Synodontis
eating in its inverted position. Diet:
The usual feeding for Synodontis species,
being good quality flake food, tablet food, frozen
bloodworm, shrimp, prawns and mosquito larvae. You
can also try veg food such as cuccumber to see if
they are keen on it. Remarks:
Not very common in the hobby.
Common
Name:
None
Synonyms:
Synodontis resupinata
Family:
Mochokidae
Distribution:
Africa:
Niger and Benue Rivers. Type Locality:
Lokoja, Northern Nigeria.
Size:
26.0cm. (10¼ins)
Temp:
23-26°C (73-79°F)
p.H.
6.5-7.5.
Reference:
Ferraris, C.J. Jr.,
2007. Checklist of catfishes, recent and fossil (Osteichthyes:
Siluriformes), and catalogue of siluriform primary
types. Zootaxa 1418:1-628. Seegers, L. 2008 The catfishes of
Africa. A handbook for identification and maintenance.
Aqualog Verlag A.C.S. GmbH, Germany. 604 p.
Synodontis
resupinatus
Showing the short branches to the maxillary barbels
Synodontis
resupinatus
Juvenile
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