All fish / Mochokidae

Brichard's Synodontis

Synodontis brichardi

Also known as brichard's syno, brichardi syno, brichard's catfish, brichard's squeaker, synodontis brichardi, banded synodontis, シノドンティス・ブリチャルディ, 布氏歧须鮠

A flattened rapids catfish with a dark body crossed by pale, thin vertical bands and large, bold fins. Its striking banded pattern and lively, flow-loving habits make it a prized addition to robust community tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

14 cm

Temperature

23 to 27 °C

pH

6.5 to 7.8

Smallest tank

200 litres

Keep as

Singly or a group of 3 or more in a large tank

Diet

Omnivore: sinking pellets, catfish tablets, frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp, some vegetable matter

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Lower Congo River rapids, DR Congo and Republic of the Congo

Breeding

It has not been reliably bred in home aquariums; most specimens in the trade are wild caught or produced commercially using hormones.

Good to know

Needs strong water flow, high oxygen levels and rocky caves; it can squabble with its own kind and other bottom dwellers. Wild-caught fish can be costly and are sometimes confused with juvenile Synodontis flavitaeniatus or other banded syno hybrids.