Synodontis Flavitaeniatus

With yellow-orange stripes running the full length of its dark brown body, Synodontis flavitaeniatus is one of the easiest Synodontis species to recognize; its scientific name also means "yellow-striped". It comes from the central Congo basin. Adults reach 15–18 cm and live a long time. It hides during the day and roams the bottom from dusk onward.

• At least 200 liters and 120 cm of length for a single fish or a small group.
• A separate cave, root hollow or pipe for each individual; fine sand substrate.
• 23–27°C, pH 6.0–7.5, soft to moderately hard water; dim corners.
• Strong filtration and a 25–30% water change every week.

Omnivorous. Offer sinking granules and tablets, frozen bloodworms, mysis and spirulina tablets; leave the main meal for the evening.

Peaceful toward other species and mostly gets along with its own kind too; brief scuffles occur when hiding places are scarce. It leaves adult fish alone but eats newly hatched fry and dwarf shrimp. Its scaleless skin is sensitive to copper, and its spines get caught in nets.

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

Avoid: dwarf shrimp, large aggressive cichlids that claim the bottom.