Synodontis Decorus – 2″

Synodontis Decorus is a species of upside-down catfish native to parts of Africa, particularly the Congo Basin. These fish are popular among aquarium enthusiasts due to their unique appearance and interesting behavior.

Synodontis decorus typically have a sleek, elongated body with a slightly flattened belly. They are often dark brown or black in color, sometimes with lighter markings or spots. One of their most distinctive features is their ability to swim upside-down, thanks to their specially adapted ventral fins.

Like many catfish species, Synodontis decorus are nocturnal and prefer to be active during the night. They are bottom-dwellers, often seen foraging for food along the substrate of the aquarium. They are generally peaceful fish but can become territorial, especially towards their own species or similar-looking fish.

In the wild, Synodontis decorus are typically found in slow-moving rivers, streams, and shallow lakes, often amidst vegetation or submerged debris. They prefer water with good quality and are sensitive to poor water conditions, so maintaining a clean and well-filtered aquarium is essential for their health.

These catfish are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods. In the aquarium, they can be fed a diet consisting of high-quality sinking pellets or granules, as well as live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and small crustaceans. They will also scavenge for leftover food in the substrate.

Synodontis decorus require a tank with plenty of hiding places such as caves, driftwood, and plants. They appreciate a sandy substrate, as it resembles their natural habitat and allows them to sift through it in search of food. The tank should also have good water flow and be well-aerated.

While generally peaceful, Synodontis decorus can be territorial towards their own kind, so it’s best to keep them in groups of three or more to disperse any aggression. They are compatible with a wide range of tankmates, including other peaceful fish of similar size that won’t outcompete them for food.