Synodontis Alberti

The easiest way to recognize Synodontis alberti in the aquarium is by its barbels: in adults the barbels on the upper jaw grow long enough to exceed the length of the body. Its light brown body is covered with small dark spots, and its eyes are large. It lives in the rivers of the Congo basin. Adults reach 15–18 cm; it is a nocturnal, calm species.

• At least 200 liters and 120 cm of length for a single fish or a small group.
• Fine, soft sand is a must; the long barbels are easily injured on sharp substrate.
• Roots and roomy caves; hiding places should be wide enough for the barbels to fit.
• 23–27°C, pH 6.0–7.5, soft to moderately hard water; clean and well oxygenated.

Omnivorous. It eats sinking granules and tablets, frozen bloodworms, mysis and spirulina tablets. Feed in the evening; with its long barbels it easily finds food on the bottom.

Peaceful and generally gets along with its own kind. It hides during the day and sweeps the bottom at night. If kept with fin-nipping species, its long barbels can be damaged. It eats fry and dwarf shrimp.

Good companions: medium-sized peaceful tetras, barbs, rainbowfish, calm African and American cichlids, plecos.

Avoid: nippy species such as tiger barbs, aggressive cichlids, dwarf shrimp.