黑歧须鮠

Overview

Generally peaceful, Synodontis aterrima nevertheless claims its own retreat. This infrequently traded catfish can suit a quiet medium-sized community with plenty of cover, provided companions are not small enough to become food.

Distribution & habitat

It is known only from the Democratic Republic of Congo, occupying different habitats in several central areas. Geography alone does not establish a particular aquarium flow requirement.

Aquarium setup

Use soft substrate with shelters made from stones, wood, and roots. Keep illumination subdued, with floating cover to filter the light. Other plants are optional. Each individual in a group needs access to its own refuge rather than competing for one shared hiding place.

Diet & feeding

Following the broad feeding guidance for squeakers, offer live, frozen, and dry foods with vegetables such as shelled peas and cucumber. These plant foods are scraped using the lower-jaw teeth.

Behaviour & compatibility

Suitable peaceful African tetras, cichlids, mormyrids, gouramis, rainbowfishes, and larger barbs can be considered. Companions around 5 cm or longer are suggested to reduce swallowing risk, though actual body size also matters. Avoid overly boisterous fishes such as aggressive Rift Lake cichlids. Conspecifics can coexist despite territoriality if each has a separate retreat.

Sexual dimorphism

Adult females are usually fuller-bodied. Male genital papillae are longer, pointed, and ridged, while the female structure is rounder. Sharp fin spines make casual handling to inspect this feature inappropriate.

Breeding

Wild fish spawn in seasonally inundated areas rich in microorganisms. Eggs are scattered, and parents provide no subsequent care. This natural history is not an established step-by-step aquarium breeding procedure.