Marbled Synodontis

About

Acropora horrida is one of the less-known.. just kidding. Synodontis schoutedeni is a mid-sized catfish from the Congo River system, particularly the middle Congo, Pool Malebo, and the Kasai drainage, with additional records from the Kouilou-Niari basin in the Republic of Congo. Also known as the Marbled Synodontis or Yellow Marbled Synodontis, it carries a detailed vermiculated pattern across its body that tends to become more pronounced as the fish matures and settles into good conditions. One of the more visually rewarding developments you can watch happen in a tank. Despite being listed as aggressive and territorial, it is actually quite workable in a community setting as long as tankmates are large enough to hold their own. Anything under two inches is potentially at risk. Alestiid tetras, peaceful cichlids like Pelvicachromis species, mormyrids, gouramis, and larger barbs or rasboras are all reasonable companions. Boisterous Rift Lake cichlids are a poor match. Each fish does best with its own dedicated hiding spot, and groups can coexist if that condition is met. One practical note worth keeping in mind: this species has a noted tendency toward bloating, so a diet heavy in dried foods is best avoided. Breeding in captivity is not well documented, though the species scatters eggs and provides no parental care.