Synodontis

Catfish Synodontis or Synodonty, belong to the eponymous genus of fish Synodontis in the family Mochokidae (Fringed catfish). They originate from the African continent, inhabiting the river systems of Central and West Africa in the equatorial and subequatorial climatic zones. They live in regions with silty substrates with an abundance of aquatic vegetation, where they hide at the bottom among numerous snags.

They differ in relatively small sizes, mostly up to 30 cm, and lead a sedentary lifestyle, due to which they can be maintained in relatively small aquariums from 200–300 liters. Outwardly similar to each other, they have a massive body with large fins. The coloring is varied with a contrasting pattern. They are easy to keep: they perfectly adapt to different environments, are unpretentious in their diet, eat everything they can find. Peaceful, compatible with other species and safe for small fish. All of the above can be attributed to the advantages of these fish, which led to their wide distribution in amateur and professional aquarism.

They have one interesting ability – to make squeaking sounds. When Synodontis is frightened, for example, if it is taken out of the water, it begins to “creak” with the help of the hard first rays of the pectoral fins.