Brichard's Synodontis

Synodontis brichardi is a relatively slim and small Lake Tanganyika Synodontis, named after the celebrated cichlid collector Pierre Brichard, who first exported it to the hobby. It bears delicate, fine spotting on a pale body and a somewhat more gracile build than most of its congeners, making it immediately distinguishable in a group of mixed Synodontis.

In the aquarium it appreciates the hard, alkaline conditions of its native lake and can be kept alongside the full range of Tanganyikan cichlids. It is more willing to come into open water than many Synodontis and will often hover in the mid-water column during feeding sessions.

This species has been bred successfully in captivity more frequently than most Synodontis, and captive-bred specimens are periodically available; they are strongly recommended over wild-caught fish.

Water: 23–27°C, pH 7.5–9.0, hard (GH 10–20, KH 5–15); Tanganyika buffer salts beneficial. Tank: 150 L minimum; rocky aquascape with caves; moderate flow; sandy substrate. Feeding: Sinking pellets, Spirulina wafers, frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp; feeds readily at all levels. Breeding: Cave or crevice spawner; eggs scattered among rocks; small transparent fry require fine foods. Compatibility: Peaceful with Tanganyikan cichlids and other mochokids of similar size.