Yellow marbled syno, vermiculated syno (Synodontis schoutedeni) care guide

Group
Freshwater fish
Other names
Vermiculated synodontis, Marbled synodontis, Yellow marbled synodontis, Vermiculated syno
Family
Mochokidae (squeakers and upside-down catfishes)
Origin
Central Africa: found only in the Congo basin in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
13.75 cm
Temperature
22–27°C
pH
6–7.5
Hardness
3–15 dGH
Minimum tank
90 litres
Care level
beginner
Temperament
peaceful

Care

One of the most attractively marked Synodontis, with a yellowish body covered in dark, worm-like (vermiculated) markings that become more intense with age. It grows to about 14 cm. Seriously Fish suggests a tank with a base of at least 90 × 30 cm (around 90 litres), dimly lit, with a soft substrate and plenty of rocks, driftwood and twisted roots to hide in; floating plants help keep the light down. Water figures are 22–27 °C, pH 6.0–7.5 and 3–15 dGH. It is territorial but can be kept with its own kind if each fish has its own refuge. Like other Synodontis it has serrated fin spines that tangle in nets, so take care when catching it. Females look plumper; reliable sexing means checking the genital papilla, which is pointed and ridged in males and rounded in females. Sources: Seriously Fish (seriouslyfish.com/species/synodontis-schoutedeni/). We could not read PlanetCatfish or FishBase pages for this species at the time of checking. Checked October 2026.

Diet

An unfussy omnivore. Feed a mix of sinking pellets and tablets, frozen and live foods such as bloodworm, brine shrimp and Daphnia, and vegetables such as peas and cucumber. Keep dried food to a modest share of the diet, as this species is prone to bloating.

Breeding

Aquarium breeding is not well documented. In the wild it spawns during the seasonal floods, scattering its eggs with no parental care.

Compatibility and tank mates

Peaceful towards other fish, and suits community tanks of tetras, dwarf cichlids and other calm fish over about 5 cm long. Very small fish may be eaten at night. Give each Synodontis its own hiding place if keeping more than one.

Last updated 5 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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