Feeding Pattern of Synodontis Black Fish

Synodontis is the largest catfish genus, composed mostly of small and medium-sized fish. The black-spotted Synodontis is frequently referred to as a Synodontis black fish. These fish are not commonly kept as pets because their specialized aquarium needs can prove challenging for many hobbyists. They typically feed at the bottom of aquariums and occasionally eat food from the sides and aquarium ornaments.

  1. Diet

    • This catfish species is known for its voracious eating habits and will typically eat nearly anything offered. They are omnivores and will consume live, frozen and dried animal matter like brine shrimp and worms. They also enjoy hard plant matter like cucumbers and peas. Synodontis catfish also feed on detritus, which is decaying organic material like skin, fecal matter and dead fish. They prefer feeding at the bottom of their tank and should only be given food that will sink.

    Feeding Time

    • Like most catfish species, the black-spotted Synodontis is nocturnal and consumes most of its meals at night. In the wild, it scours the bottoms of rivers in the Congo and Cameroon at dusk for food.

    Feeding Environment

    • Black-spotted Synodontis catfish prefer a dark and partially enclosed environment. Many hobbyists provide their catfish with caves and tank ornaments in which to hide, which can stimulate feeding behavior. Add floating plants to the top of an aquarium to minimize the light that makes it to the bottom, which mimics the fish's natural environment.

    Feeding Behavior

    • Black Synodontis catfish are relatively aggressive and should not be housed with small or docile fish. They may attack these fish, particularly if the fish attempt to scavenge for food at the bottom of the tank. Their aggression levels are similar to cichlids' and many hobbyists keep the two species together.