All fish / Mochokidae

Sailfin Synodontis

Synodontis velifer

Also known as sailfin squeaker, velifer synodontis, velifer catfish, sail fin synodontis, synodontis velifera, シノドンティス・ベリファー, 帆鳍向天鼠

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A sturdy West African squeaker catfish with a pale body covered in dark spots and an unusually tall, sail-like dorsal fin. It is kept for its striking fin and its hardiness, and is more active by day than many Synodontis once settled.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

20 cm

Temperature

22 to 27 °C

pH

6.5 to 7.8

Smallest tank

300 litres

Keep as

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

Diet

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

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

West Africa: Ghana, Burkina Faso and Côte d'Ivoire (Volta basin and coastal rivers)

Breeding

Not reliably bred in home aquariums; it is thought to be an open-water egg scatterer. Most fish in the trade are wild caught or produced on fish farms with hormones.

Good to know

Grows large and can be territorial with other bottom dwellers, and will eat very small fish. Its fin spines are sharp and easily tangle in nets.