Brichard’s Synodontis

Synodontis brichardi

Pale cross-bands on a dark low body; flowing oxygenated water is a central requirement.

Adult length: Up to 15 cm
Water temperature: 22–26 °C
pH: 6.2–7.5
Hardness: 5–20 dGH

Poor water quality is a concern. A low-flow, poorly oxygenated display is unsuitable even if food is plentiful. Companions must tolerate the flow without bullying it; conspecific territorial behaviour also requires multiple refuges and observation.

View comparison →

Appearance and identification

A relatively low elongate body carries about five pale yellow-to-cream cross-bands; the tail is also banded and its lobe tips may extend. The mouth is adapted to feeding against stones. SF lists 15 cm SL and SC 16 cm without a basis. Typical adult total length and lifespan are unknown. This is not a colour form of the familiar mottled S. nigriventris. Cross-bands, low body shape and a flowing-water lifestyle distinguish this species. The upside-down-catfish browse group does not imply that every member continually swims belly-up.

Floor and movement space

The selected SF reference is 22–26°C, pH 6.2–7.5 and 5–20 dGH; SC alternatives remain separate. Provide clean oxygen-rich flowing areas plus refuges out of the strongest current, using smooth stones and secured wood to create varied flow. Verified group counts and minimum group footprints are unknown.

Aquarium environment

Plants are optional. If used, choose planting that tolerates the planned current and retain exposed stones and flow routes. Algae grazing does not establish plant safety, and shrimp safety remains unverified.

Diet and feeding

Provide complete sinking foods with appropriate vegetable material and frozen or live supplements, checking intake. Rasping algae on rocks does not make it self-feeding, replace maintenance or prove suitability for every algae-control task.

Sources

www.seriouslyfish.com ↗ 2026-10-22

www.scotcat.com ↗ 2026-10-22

api.gbif.org ↗ 2026-10-22