Schoutedenti Synodontis Catfish (2.5-3”)

Scientific Name: Synodontis schoutedenii

Maximum Size and Lifespan:
The Schouteden’s Synodontis Catfish typically reaches about 7–8 inches (18–20 cm) in length. With proper care, they can live 10–15 years in captivity, sometimes longer.

Recommended Aquarium Size, Water Changes, and Care:

• Tank Size: At least 40 gallons breeder size for a single specimen; larger aquariums (65+ gallons) are recommended if keeping in a group or with other fish.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)

  • pH: 6.5–7.5
    

• Water Changes: Perform 25–30% weekly water changes to maintain water quality, as these catfish can be sensitive to deteriorating conditions.

• Care: Provide plenty of hiding spots using driftwood, rocks, and caves. They are nocturnal and appreciate subdued lighting or floating plants for shade. A sandy or smooth substrate is best to prevent injury to their delicate barbels.

Tankmates:
Generally peaceful but can be territorial with other bottom dwellers if space is limited. Suitable tankmates include:

• Congo tetras, larger barbs, rainbowfish, and African Cichlids (Peacocks, Haps, and Mbuna)

• Other Synodontis species can be kept together if the tank is large and has enough hiding spaces.
  Avoid housing them with very small fish (which may be eaten) or highly aggressive species.

Diet:
They are omnivorous scavengers. In the aquarium, they accept a wide variety of foods:

• Sinking pellets, algae wafers, and catfish tablets

• Frozen such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, or chopped shrimp

Overview:
The Schoutendeni Synodontis Catfish is a hardy, attractive, and relatively peaceful African catfish species prized for its unique appearance and social behavior. It thrives in a well-maintained, structured aquarium with hiding places and compatible tankmates.

Natural Environment:
Synodontis schoutedenii is native to the Congo River Basin (Democratic Republic of Congo). It inhabits slow to moderately flowing waters, often in areas with submerged wood, rocky crevices, and sandy substrates.

Breeding:
Breeding S. schoutedenii in captivity is extremely rare and not well-documented. In the wild, like other Synodontis species, they are believed to spawn seasonally, possibly triggered by flooding and water chemistry changes. In aquariums, commercial breeding is sometimes achieved through hormone-induced spawning, but natural breeding in home setups is virtually unknown.