Ocellifer Catfish

About

Found across a broad sweep of West African river systems, Synodontis ocellifer, sometimes called the Ocellifer Catfish, ranges through the Senegal, Gambia, Niger, Volta, and Chad basins, as well as parts of Ghana and Nigeria. One reliable way to pick it out from similar-looking Synodontis species is that unusually long adipose fin, which runs almost the entire length between the dorsal and caudal fins. The body is covered in a pattern of spots that gives this catfish a lot of visual character. Despite being labeled aggressive in some references, this is actually one of the calmer members of the genus. It can even be kept in a small group if each fish has its own shelter to retreat to. The territorial side of its personality tends to emerge mainly toward other Synodontis, particularly as it matures. Smaller fish that could be mistaken for a meal are best kept out of the picture, but robust companions like West African cichlids, larger tetras, mormyrids, or sizable barbs tend to work well. Captive breeding through natural spawning has not been reliably achieved in home aquaria. Most fish in the trade come from commercial farms using hormone-assisted methods. On the plus side, this is one of the more forgiving Synodontis for newer catfish keepers, provided the tank has enough space and hiding spots to go around. Be cautious of hybrids appearing in the trade, which are best avoided.