Synodontis flavitaeniata
Pyjama Synodontis
Classification
Mochokidae
Distribution
Endemic to the Democratic Republic of Congo. It occurs only in the Malebo Pool area of the River Congo.
Habitat
Occurs in various biotopes in the Malebo Pool region, hence its flexibility with regards to water parameters.
Maximum Standard Length
7.8″ (19.5cm). It rarely grows larger than 5″ in aquaria.
Aquarium SizeTop ↑
36″ x 12″ x 12″ (90cm x 30cm x 30cm) – 80 litres. This is not an active species.
Maintenance
Provide a dimly lit aquarium with soft substrate, rocks, pieces of driftwood and twisted roots arranged to form hiding places. Floating vegetation is also recommended in order to diffuse the light entering the tank. Other planting is beneficial but not essential. This species of Synodontis will not uproot plants at all which makes it a possibility for the planted aquarium.
Water Conditions
Temperature: 73 to 82°F (23-28°C)
pH: 6.5-8.0
Hardness: 3-25°H
Diet
Synodontis are omnivorous and are most unfussy in terms of feeding. Frozen, live and dried foods are all accepted. It also relishes vegetable matter in the form of shelled peas, cucumber etc., which it will rasp at with the teeth in its lower jaw.
Behaviour and CompatibilityTop ↑
A peaceful fish that can be maintained with many species provided they are over 2″ in length and thus can escape predation. Good tankmates include Alestiid tetras, Pelvicachromis sp. and other peaceful cichlids, Mormyrids, Gouramis and larger rasboras and barbs. It should not be kept with boisterous species such as Rift Lake cichlids. Can be kept with others of its own kind if each fish is provided with a refuge it can call home.
Sexual Dimorphism
Difficult to sex using the genital papilla technique as it is small. It is therefore difficult to sex, although adult females are generally more plump than males.
Reproduction
Not recorded in aquaria. In nature S. flavitaeniata breeds like other riverine Synodontis in areas of seasonal flooding that are rich in micro-organisms. They are egg scatterers and exhibit no parental care.
NotesTop ↑
Also known as the Orange Striped Squeaker, in our opinion this fish is one of the most attractively patterned Synos. S. flavitaeniata can vary considerably in patterning and colouration but is difficult to misidentify.
This fish is more sensitive to deteriorating water quality than many Syno species so aquarium maintenance must be rigorous. When it was first imported 25 or so years ago it commanded an extortionate price but thankfully is affordable today.
Its flexibility with regards to water parameters; its maximum size and its unique patterning make this Synodontis a very attractive proposition for any mature, well-maintained aquarium.
The Pyjama Synodontis is one of only 3 members of the genus to exhibit filamentous maxillary (outer) barbels, the others being S. decora and S. clarias.
