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Large-spot CatfishNaked Catfish - Upside-Down CatfishFamily: Mochokidae Synodontis ocelliferLatest Reader Comment - See More I give mine feeder fish with my hoplo catfish and a oscar but also have a common pleco but my syndontis grew an inch. My hoplo catfish is hoplosternum littorale... (more) jason The word 'ocellifer' means 'eye-like spot', and the Synodontis Ocellifer certainly has big spots!Large-spot Catfish Contents There are several color forms of the Synodontis Ocellifer available. These include b lack, tan, yellow. Some have color in the finnage, while others have almost no color other than their large spots. The large spot variety, which is the most attractive of the color forms, used to be quite rare but is fairly common now. Although this Synodontis (like most of this genus) gets rather large, reaching up to 19" (20 cm) when mature but rarely exceeding 10" (25.4 cm) in the home aquarium. It is an excellent addition to a large community aquarium. The Synodontis Ocellifer are fairly hardy fish and are not difficult to keep in a well maintained environment. For more Information on keeping this fish see: |
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Habitat: Distribution / Background
Described by Boulenger, 1900. The Synodontis Ocellifer Catfish are native to West and Central African river systems.
- Scientific Name: Synodontis ocellifer
- Social Grouping: Groups - More than one can be kept successfully in the same aquarium but they can be kept as single specimens as well.
- IUCN Red List: NE - Not Evaluated or not listed
The Synodontis Ocellifer Catfish is a peaceful bottom scavenger. During daylight hours it will spend much of its time hidden under driftwood or in caves provided by the aquarist. It is yellowish to brown with large black spots all over its body. It has the characteristic sharp spines on it's dorsal fin and so should be transported using a glass or plastic container rather than a net.
- Maximum Size: 19.0 inches (48.26 cm) - Many individuals will not exceed 11 inches, although 19 inches is certainly not outside the realm of possibility.
- Lifespan: 20 years
- Aquarium Hardiness: Moderately hardy - This fish is hardy if the tank is well kept.
- Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate
Since they are omnivorous, the Synodontis Ocellifer will generally eat all kinds of live fresh and flake foods. To keep a good balance give them a high quality flake food or pellet everyday. Also feed brine shrimp (either live or frozen), tubifex, and blood worms.
- Diet Type: Omnivore - Although omivorous this fish prefers a greater protein component. Frequent treating with live options such as bloodworms or brineshrimp is highly advised.
- Flake Food: No
- Tablet Pellet: Yes
- Live foods (fishes, shrimps, worms): Some of Diet
- Vegetable Food: Some of Diet
- Meaty Food: Some of Diet
- Feeding Frequency: Several feedings per day
- Water Changes: Bi-weekly
- Minimum Tank Size: 75 gal (284 L)
- Substrate Type: Any
- Lighting Needs: Moderate - normal lighting
- Temperature: 72.0 - 79.0° F (22.2 - 26.1° C)
- Range ph: 6.5-7.8
- Hardness Range: 2 - 15 dGH
- Brackish: No
- Water Movement: Moderate
- Water Region: Bottom
The Synodontis Ocellifer are generally a good community fish and can be kept with any size tank-mates.
- Venomous: No
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Compatible with:
- Same species - conspecifics: Yes
- Peaceful fish (): Safe
- Semi-Aggressive: (): Safe
- Aggressive: (): Monitor - Many semi-aggressive and aggressive fish will not bother nocturnal and armored catfish.
- Slow Swimmers & Eaters: (): Safe
- Shrimps, Crabs, Snails: Safe - not aggressive
- Plants: Safe
Not known.
Has not been bred in captivity.
- Ease of Propagation: Unknown
The Synodontis Ocellifer is available from time to time. The large spot variety used to be quite rare but is fairly common now.
Animal-World References
Freshwater Fish and Plants
Tropical Fish ~ Freshwater Fish ~ Aquatic Plants
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