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Synodontis albolineatus

Mustard Synodontis

Pellegrin, 1924

Formerly Synodontis albolineata

Last revised 2026Edit this page

On this page10 sections

Quick factsEdit

Max size
100mm SL3.9in SL
Aquarium size
75 × 30cm30 × 12in
Temp
24–28°C75–82°F
pH
6.5–7.5
Hardness
5–15dGH

Difficulty4 of 8 measures

Easy

How the rating is worked out

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

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Endemic to Gabon, specifically the Majinga river system.

Occurs in various biotopes in the Majinga river system.

Aquarium size

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Standard length
100mm SL3.9in SL
Aquarium base
75 × 30cm30 × 12in
Volume
~68litres~18US gal

75 ∗ 30 ∗ 30 cm30 ∗ 12 ∗ 12 in - ~68 litres~18 US gal.

Maintenance

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A 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

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Temperature
24–28°C75–82°F
pH
6.5–7.5
Hardness
5–15dGH

Temperature: 24 – 28 °C75 – 82 °F

pH: 6.5-7.5

Hardness: 5-15°H

These recommendations come from this profile’s own figures. They contain affiliate links, so we may earn a commission.

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 compatibility

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A 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

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Unknown. Its size makes it very difficult to be sexed accurately using the genital papillae method.

Reproduction

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Not recorded in aquaria.

Notes

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Also 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

  1. Renamed from Synodontis albolineata to Synodontis albolineatus.

    2026Eschmeyer's Catalog of Fishes: genera, species, references

Distribution

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