Microsynodontis

The dwarf synodontis, Microsynodontis batesii, is a small catfish from the Congo and Ogowe basins in DR Congo, Gabon and Cameroon. The largest Microsynodontis, it is sometimes mislabelled as Synodontis sp. 'Nyong'. Young fish are sold with a spotted or reticulated pattern that breaks up into the characteristic barring as they grow, and new imports are often delicate. At least some of its recorded occurrences may be different species.

The pygmy synodontis, Microsynodontis polli, is a small catfish from the upper Niger basin in Liberia and Guinea, growing to around 40 mm SL. It is sometimes sold mislabelled as Synodontis sp. 'Nyong' or M. batesii but lacks the distinct body barring of that species. New imports are often delicate, and it is quite shy, so it should not be kept with aggressive or very vigorous fish.