Synodontis leopardis

Leopard Synodontis, scientific name Synodontis camelopardalis, belongs to the Mochokinae family (Fringed Catfish). The fish is native to Central Africa. It is considered endemic to the Tshuapa River, one of the tributaries of the Congo River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Description

Adult individuals reach a length of about 18 cm. Like other representatives of the genus Synodontis, this species has reliable protection against river predators. The head is covered with fused bone plates resembling a helmet. The first rays of the pectoral and dorsal fins have changed into sharp spikes.

Several sensitive antennae are located near the mouth, which helps in searching for food and orientation in space at the bottom in conditions of low visibility.

Catfish has a spotted body pattern of large dark spots on a lighter yellowish background. This coloration is reflected in the name of the species. Among aquarists, an analogy has developed with the coloration of a leopard, which is why it is often referred to as Synodontis leopard. However, the scientists who gave the scientific name thought otherwise. They compared the spotted pattern with the pattern of a giraffe, so the Latin name contains the word “camelopardalis”, which, in fact, translates as “giraffe”.

Behavior and Compatibility

Peaceful calm look. Adult individuals can equally successfully live alone and in the company of relatives. They lead a nocturnal lifestyle. During the daytime, they hide in shelters. Compatible with many non-aggressive fish of comparable size.

Brief information:

• The volume of the aquarium – from 120 liters.
• Temperature – 23-28°C
• Value pH — 6.0–7.0
• Water hardness – 3–12 dGH
• Substrate type – any
• Lighting – subdued, moderate
• Brackish water – no
• Water movement – little or no
• The size of the fish is up to 13 cm.
• Nutrition – any food with a high protein content
• Temperament – peaceful
• Content alone or in a group

Maintenance and care, arrangement of the aquarium

The optimal size of an aquarium for one or two catfish starts from 120–150 liters. In the design, it is necessary to have shelters of suitable size, for which it is recommended to use plexuses of snags, heaps of stones and thickets of plants. Artificial decorations are also acceptable.

Hailing from the wetlands of a river flowing through humid equatorial forests, Synodontis leopardis needs acidic soft water. A good addition will be tannins dissolved in water, resulting from the decomposition of plant organic matter. To do this, natural driftwood, a layer of dried leaves and the bark of some trees are used in the aquarium.

Aquarium maintenance is standard. Mandatory procedures are: weekly replacement of part of the water with fresh water, removal of accumulated organic waste (feed residues, excrement, etc.), equipment maintenance.

Food

They are considered an omnivorous species. Nevertheless, the basis of the diet should be feed with a high protein content. The daily diet may include the popular dry sinking food, as well as fresh, frozen or dry bloodworms, tubifex, earthworms, etc.

Sources: fishbase.se, wikipedia.org