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Mustache synodontis

Synodontis membranaceus

Also known as Hemisynodontis membranacea, Moustache catfish

FreshwaterFish

Mustache synodontis (Synodontis membranaceus)
The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature
73–82°F
23–28°C
pH
6.8–7.5
Adult size
18.1 in
46 cm
Minimum tank
114 gal
430 L
Temperament
Mostly peaceful
Social behavior
Solitary
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Bottom
Diet
Filter feeder
Difficulty
Difficult
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Rare
Family
Mochokidae
Origin
Nile and Nilo-Sudanic basins, Africa

Overview

The mustache synodontis is a large, specialized squeaker that needs a very big tank. It is for experienced keepers.

Did you know

The mustache synodontis feeds with its belly turned up toward the light, so its colors are reversed. It is dark underneath and pale on the back, the opposite of most fish.

Caring for the mustache synodontis

Give a mustache synodontis at least 114 gal (430 L). The tank should be spacious, with clear surface area, gentle flow and some bogwood for structure.

Keep the water warm and close to neutral, at 73 to 82°F (23 to 28°C) and a pH of 6.8 to 7.5. It feeds upside down just beneath the surface, straining tiny foods from the water. Feed sinking pellets and frozen foods. Add fine particles it can take from the water column, such as small frozen and powdered foods.

Keep it singly, since it is solitary. It is mostly peaceful, but its size means tank mates should be large and calm rather than bite-sized. Aquarium breeding is not recorded.

Good to know

The mustache synodontis is a squeaker of the family Mochokidae. For a long time it was placed in its own genus, Hemisynodontis. Broad membranes run along its barbels and form the mustache of its common name. Its many gill rakers let it filter feed on plankton.

In the wild

The mustache synodontis lives in large rivers and floodplains of the Nile and the Sahel. It keeps to open water, where plankton is plentiful.

Common questions

What size tank does a mustache synodontis need?

A mustache synodontis needs at least 114 gal (430 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH does a mustache synodontis need?

A mustache synodontis is comfortable at 73–82°F (23–28°C) with a pH of 6.8–7.5.

What does a mustache synodontis eat?

A mustache synodontis strains tiny foods from the water while it swims upside down near the surface. In the tank, give it sinking pellets and frozen foods, plus fine particles such as powdered foods.

How big does a mustache synodontis get?

An adult mustache synodontis reaches about 18.1 in (46 cm).

Related species