Synodontis Schoutedeni grouping?

[tep]

Hello all,

I'm interested in Schoutedeni and have been scouring the internet to determine if it can be (or should be) kept in a small group of 3 or so. It seems to be on the lower end of the syno aggression spectrum, but thought it would be best to hear it first-hand from keepers.

Also, the plan is for a 55g with only a small contrast tetra-type (i.e., tank will be exclusively maintained for the Schoutedeni). The bits I've found suggest this size would be more than adequate but I'm skeptical given some of the pictures of the fish, which make it appear larger than 5" commonly listed as the adult range.

Any thoughts?

[Birger]

What is the footprint of the 55 gallon tank? This can be important, is it skinny, wide, tall or a low tank. The bigger the foot print the better.

Birger

[nvcichlids]

based on the poster being in the US I would think 48"long, 12" deep, 16-18"tall?

[tep]

Precisely, it is a standard 55 gallon: 48x12.5"

[naturalart]

Hi tep, I've been keeping S. shoutedeni for over 10yrs now and they are still my favorite cat. That 'show' 55g will be ok while they are a couple inches long. But as they grow larger I would suggest you move up to something like a 80g - 100g. I've seen one specimen that was over 6" SL. I couldn't believe it until I examined it closely.

I also see you list your location as "East bay" CA, is that as in east 'San Francisco bay? I ask because thats were I'm located.

[Birger]

you could also have such a tank a 18 X 36 footprint that would be better

It is about the amount of substrate available , not the gallons of water.

I agree with the above...the male here http://www.planetcatfish.com/common/ima ... e_id=11029 which was actually mine was very large...compared to the females I still have here http://www.planetcatfish.com/common/ima ... e_id=13634 it was much much bigger, at least the 127 mm SL as stated in the data page.

I found the females are perfect companions in a community...the males can be a little moody at times...lol...just a little

Birger

[tep]

Thank you all for the advice. Yes, I'm up north of Concord at the moment - any recommendations for local aquarium near Oakland or Berkeley?

[naturalart]

Hi tep, most of the shops in this area 'folded' during the last economic 'slide'. But besides that I've very rarely seen S. shoutedeni for sale in this area. In my opinion the highest quality shops in the north bay area are: Albany Aquarium in Albany and Aquaforest in San Francisco. But there is a slim chance you'll find 'shouts' at either one of them as they focus on planted tanks and some salt. If you can make a trip up to the Sacramento area, there is a 'Lee's feed and Western store' there that has a very nice variety of very unusual fish such as S. shoutedeni. Otherwise online is probably your best bet.

I don't know your skill level, but I hope you are looking for young animals a couple of inches. That is the best way to start. Otherwise I have a 4" S. shoutedeni male I am looking to rehome. PM me if you are interested.

[tep]

Yes, definitely looking to start a young group - seems that provides the best chance for a peaceful long-term clan