Description:
This species can be confused with the much larger
Synodontis
caudalis but
the point to look out for in S. robertsi is
the unusual large eyes similar to S.
alberti the bigger ornate pattern
on the body and short barbels, while S. caudalis
has smaller eyes, longer barbels, and also grows larger
at 20cm SL, it can also be territorial when larger.
S. robertsi has a deeply forked caudal fin similar
to S. caudalis with the top lobe being slightly
longer than the bottom lobe. S. robertsi
has a stripe running from the eye to the mouth. Aquarium
Care: Synodontis robertsi is a very
peacfull fish and a prime candidate for an average
sized community tank. Diet: The usual
feeding for Synodontis species, being good
quality flake food, tablet food, frozen bloodworm,
shrimp and prawns. Remarks:
The last three thumbnail images show the growth and
colour pattern over a four and a half year period.
Common
Name:
Roberts Catfish
Synonyms:
None
Family:
Mochokidae
Distribution:
Africa:
Known from the type locality, River Lukenie, Central
Democratic Republic of the Congo. Type
locality: Riv. Lukenie à Elombe, ferry
landing, lat. 2º49'S, long.18º14'E.
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