Wahrindi

About

Found across an impressive sweep of West African river systems, this obscure mochokid catfish, Synodontis gambiensis, inhabits major drainages from the Senegal and Gambia rivers east through the Volta, Niger, and Chad basins. One of the broadest natural ranges of any catfish in the region. In the wild it is an opportunistic omnivore, picking through substrate for insect larvae (particularly midge larvae), aquatic nymphs, detritus, molluscs, and the occasional small fish. That flexible approach to feeding makes it relatively straightforward to cater for in captivity; most quality sinking foods, frozen invertebrates, and vegetable matter are accepted without fuss. It grows to a solid ten or eleven inches at adulthood, so it is not a fish for small setups. Give it proper space and some cave-like hiding spots where it can retreat during the day, since like most Synodontis it tends toward nocturnal activity. Tank companions should be robust enough to hold their own; smaller or more timid fish can find a fish this size unsettling. Wild breeding is tied to seasonal flooding, and captive reproduction is rarely achieved without specialist intervention. Overall this is an intermediate-level species. Not especially demanding, but one that rewards keepers who understand the needs of larger benthic catfish.