Woosnam's Synodontis

Synodontis woosnami is a seldom-encountered species from East African river drainages, infrequently exported and therefore somewhat of a collector's species within the mochokid hobby. It bears a clean, attractively spotted pattern on a pale body and is a medium-sized, well-proportioned fish suitable for East African community setups.

In the aquarium it shares the adaptable nature of many East African Synodontis, tolerating moderate hardness and slightly alkaline conditions. Its rarity in the trade means that specimens should be treated as valuable; thorough quarantine and careful acclimatisation are strongly recommended.

Once established it proves a hardy, undemanding species that integrates well with cichlids, other catfish and robust community fish in moderately hard, alkaline water.

Water: 22–27°C, pH 7.0–8.0, moderately hard (GH 8–16, KH 4–10). Tank: 200 L minimum; rock caves; moderate filtration; stable water chemistry important for acclimation. Feeding: Sinking pellets, wafers, frozen bloodworm and mysis; undemanding once settled. Breeding: Not documented in captivity; cave spawner presumed. Compatibility: Peaceful with East African cichlids and medium community fish.