Brichard's synodontis

Care at a glance

Overview

Brichard's syno is a handsome, mostly peaceful catfish, but it needs the right setup to thrive: fast flow, clean well-oxygenated water, and rockwork to graze. It can be territorial with other bottom catfish, so give it space, and it mixes fine with robust, current-loving tankmates. Feed algae wafers, spirulina, sinking pellets, and some frozen foods. Plan on a tank of at least 190 liters with strong water movement.

In the wild

Brichard's synodontis is a rapids specialist from the lower Congo, clinging to rocks in fast, highly oxygenated white water. It has a slim, streamlined body and a sucker-like mouth adapted to grazing algae and aufwuchs off stones in strong flow. Recreate that with a powerhead or two for current, smooth rounded rocks, a sandy floor, and high oxygen at 22 to 26 degrees C.

Good to know

This mochokid reaches about 16 cm and wears bold black and white horizontal stripes that set it apart from most squeakers. Unlike its more omnivorous relatives, it grazes biofilm and algae in the current and is built for a life spent gripping rock in a torrent. It has not been bred in home aquariums.

Did you know

It comes from the same violent Congo rapids as many prized cichlids, and its striped, streamlined shape is a direct adaptation to holding position in water moving too fast for most fish.

Related species

• 

  Vermiculated squeaker

  Synodontis schoutedeni

  5.9 in (15 cm)24 gal (90 L)72–81°F (22–27°C)

• 

  Lake Malawi syno

  Synodontis njassae

  7.5 in (19 cm)40 gal (150 L)73–82°F (23–28°C)

• 

  Bigeye squeaker

  Synodontis alberti

  7.9 in (20 cm)40 gal (150 L)72–79°F (22–26°C)

• 

  Featherfin squeaker

  Synodontis eupterus

  7.9 in (20 cm)45 gal (170 L)72–81°F (22–27°C)

• 

  Ocellated squeaker

  Synodontis ocellifer

  7.9 in (20 cm)53 gal (200 L)73–81°F (23–27°C)
• Common syno

  Synodontis nigrita

  7.9 in (20 cm)55 gal (210 L)70–82°F (21–28°C)