Synodontis decora is a species of fish in the family Mochokidae

Mochokidae

The Mochokidae are a family of catfishes that are known as the squeakers and upside-down catfish. There are 10 genera and about 188 species of mochokids. All the mochokids are freshwater species originating from Africa....

 of the order Siluriformes. Common names include Clown catfish, Clown Syno, Clown Squeaker, and Barredtail Squeaker. This gentle giant can be a great addition to any aquarium.

Geographical distribution

The Synodontis decora can be found anywhere in the Congo basin

Congo Basin

The Congo Basin is the sedimentary basin that is the drainage of the Congo River of west equatorial Africa. The basin begins in the highlands of the East African Rift system with input from the Chambeshi River, the Uele and Ubangi Rivers in the upper reaches and the Lualaba River draining wetlands...

 except the Luapula River

Luapula River

The Luapula River is a section of Africa's second-longest river, the Congo. It is a transnational river forming for nearly all its length part of the border between Zambia and the DR Congo...

 system. This is one of the many interesting Synodontis species found in Malebo Pool.

Distinctive features

The unusual trait of this Synodontis is the long extension of the dorsal fin which can reach as far back as its caudal fin and along with its attractive body colouration makes it one of the most popular catfish of the genus, Synodontis. The head and body are compressed. It has three pairs of barbells, maxillary barbells with a small membrane at the base and small slender ramifications larger than on maxillary barbells.

Colouration

Mostly white with black spots. Its ventral region is white. Dorsal, caudal, anal and ventral fins are white with black transverse bands.

Distinguishing between sexes

First, lay the fish in your hand with its head toward your palm and the tail toward your fingers. Hold the dorsal spine between your middle and ring finger so the fish is belly up and you won't get stuck. The genital pore is in a small furrow of tissue (in healthy fish) and will be obstructed by the pelvic fins. Pull down on the tail gently to arch the fish’s spine and the pelvic fins will stand and the furrow open to display the genital pore and the anus of the fish. The male has somewhat ridged genital papillae on which the spermatoduct is on the back side, facing the tail fin. A gravid female will also show an extended papillae but the oviduct is on the ventral side of the papillae (And may also show a little redness if really gravid). A thin or emaciated female will have just two pink pores, the oviduct and the anus.

Habitat, diet, and feeding behaviour

S. decora generally likes to hide in rocks, caves, or plastic tubing during the day. At night, it will tentatively swim about doing its business. It can be fed flakes and tablet foods supplemented occasionally with frozen foods.

Behaviour and aggression in captivity

This fish is a gentle giant, and can be bullied by most aggressive fish. On the other hand, it can hold its own against an even match when needed. Usually not good in tanks with extremely large or extremely small fish.

Temperature, pH, and salinity

Temperature should be kept between 22–27 °C (71.6–80.6 F). pH levels should be between 6.5 - 7.5. Should be kept in freshwater aquariums