Synodontis albolineatus
Mustard Synodontis
Formerly Synodontis albolineata
Last revised 2026Edit this page
On this page10 sections
Quick factsEdit
Difficulty4 of 8 measures
- Space
- medium tank
- Water
- needs a steady pH
- Temp
- needs a steady temperature
- Diet
- unknown
- Temperament
- peaceful
- Social
- unknown
- Compatibility
- unknown
Other demands
Each of these can raise the rating on its own, whatever the measures above say.
- Hardiness
- unknown
The mustard synodontis, Synodontis albolineatus, is a small squeaker catfish endemic to the Majinga river system in Gabon. Also known as the mustard squeaker, it is imported infrequently but sometimes turns up in mixed boxes of Synodontis from exporters. It reaches around 10 cm and is peaceful with most species, though territorial towards its own kind in smaller systems.
Distribution
EditHabitat
Write a noteEditOccurs in various biotopes in the Majinga river system.
Aquarium size
Write a noteEdit75 ∗ 30 ∗ 30 cm30 ∗ 12 ∗ 12 in - ~68 litres~18 US gal.
Maintenance
Write a noteEditA densely planted aquarium with a soft substrate and rocks, pieces of driftwood and twisted roots arranged to form hiding places is ideal for this species. Floating vegetation is also recommended in order to diffuse the light entering the tank.
Water conditions
EditTemperature: 24 – 28 °C75 – 82 °F
pH: 6.5-7.5
Hardness: 5-15°H
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Diet
Write a noteEditSynodontis 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 compatibility
Write a noteEditA peaceful fish that can be maintained successfully with most species. Good tankmates include Alestiid tetras, Pelvicachromis sp. and other peaceful cichlids, Mormyrids, Gouramis and larger rasboras and barbs. Can be kept with others of its own kind in a suitably sized aquarium but is territorial in smaller systems.
Sexual dimorphism
Write a noteEditUnknown. Its size makes it very difficult to be sexed accurately using the genital papillae method.
Reproduction
Write a noteEditNot recorded in aquaria.
Notes
EditAlso known as the Mustard Squeaker, this species is imported infrequently, though it sometimes shows up in mixed boxes of Synodontis from exporters. An ideal Syno for the general community due to its small adult size.
How the name has changed
Renamed from Synodontis albolineata to Synodontis albolineatus.
2026Eschmeyer's Catalog of Fishes: genera, species, references
Distribution
Profile completeness18 of 24
75% complete
Also missing: photograph credits, etymology.
Community
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