Accidently purchased a Synodontis Alberti

[jodilynn]

Hello!

I drove a long way today to a pet store that usually has a good supply of Synodonits catfish.

I immediately found a tank with several 2-3 inch specimens labeled "Syn. Schoutedeni" and I eagerly requested one, as I am in love with the pattern on those fish and figured the mature size of the fish was about what I wanted.

Upon arriving home, I noticed several things about my new friend that did not seem to add up. One, his eyes are HUGE. Second, the barbels are ridiculously long. The second set actually curls into a spiral! Third, the color was a slivery gold with bronze colored spots, pleasant enough but certainly not the bold black and ivory/yellow I was expecting! The body and head seem thinner and flatter as well.

Dragged out my HRA "Atlas of Freshwater Aqurium Fishes (Second Addition)", and sure enough "Whiskers" is looking far more like S. Alberti than S. Schoutedeni.

The only thing that is throwing me off is the apidose fin seems to be smaller than the inividuals in the pictures I have seen. But I am noticing the little guy hangs out under the driftwood, not the caves, which was pointed out in the description of this species.

Any pointers from other owners of this fish? He is currently housed in a 55 gallon with S. Eupterus, S. Decoras, and Syn. Hybrid No. 1, 3 Kubotai loaches, a Striped Raphael, a Spotted Raphael,and an adult male albino Ancistrus.

Do I call the pet store and tell them they are selling the wrong fish? I don't know if I got overcharged ($22.00), or did I get a bargain on a far rarer cat?

ANY ADVICE IS DEEPLY APPRECIATED! THANKS!

[Richard B]

A pic would help us ID for certain.

Alberti & Schoutedeni are about the same rarity & price (over here anyway). Alberti are quite peaceful & do well in groups of their own kind & occasionally suffer in groups of mixed syno species where some of them are more robust. Decorus should be fine, but eupterus can be a bit boisterous at times as can hybrid.1

[jodilynn]

Actually my Decora is the one who most vigarously defends his "home" he seems to have the nastiest temperment.

The only time there is a lot of bumping between the Eupterus and the Hybrid is at feeding.

"Whiskers" is looking a little mopey, he was kind of laying on his side on the big driftwood tangle but now he's back on his belly, laying between a couple rocks.

He did eat a small pellet yesterday, and I thought oh I'll turn out the light to make him more comfortable, which promptly brought out my Eupterus and Hybrid who promptly ate everything else pigs.

I'm noticing that I have to feed the 3 big synos at dusk when there is stil a light on in the tank or the room lights are on, then do a second feeding when it's completety dark to get my Raphaels out. I'm hoping "Whiskers" grabs a bite both times. I'm trying not to panic, and just give him time to adjust.

I'm just mad because I thought the Schoutedeni was a more "confident" species that could hold it's own against my two big Synos and my piggy of a Hybrid (I really don't think that one is going to be much bigger than the 5 inches it's at). Now what do I do? There's plenty of driftwood (and I'm actually adding another big piece) and 5 caves (again I can add another one).

Should I try to get another Syno so there is less opprotunity of a single fish being singled out? The only other readily available Synos are tank-bred Petricolas.

[Birger]

It will take this fish a little while to settle in, then just keep an eye on if it gets thin or not...they can be a shy species to start with.

Birger

[jodilynn]

Thanks guys.

There is a big piece of zuccini in the tank, I figure first feeding tonight will be a variety of pellets soaked in Garlic Gaurd and then I'll put in some Omega One Community Frozen food in about midnight.

He's a unique looking little fish. I'm just sad, I worry more about these little creatures more than most people worry about their kids . I want him to have a long and happy life .

This is going to be a mostly catfish/loach tank. I have four angelfish that will go in there eventually and probably a school of giant danios. No one is currently impressed with my "empty" fishtank lol, so I need to have something for people to look at .

[jodilynn]

Update:

"Whiskers" seems to be doing better. He has found his place on top of the driftwood ornament (I wish I could make him a little cave up there) where I can actually spot-feed him (the big guys don't go up there).

Hopefully he settles in and all will be well. He looks better every day.

Still just really irritated with that petshop. It is well established and been arround for many years and I trusted that I was getting what I wanted!

[jodilynn]

"Whiskers" is doing good!

He actually seems to shadow my Eupterus, he follows him around, and Leo pretty much ignores him. Whiskers gets right in there with the big guys at feeding and he holds his own very well! His little belly is full. He even dares to venture into the "forbidden log" with Comet and the Raphaels (doesn't that sound like a 70's rock band ?). Since Comet lays on the Raphaels in a hopeless attempt to shove them out of the log, it pretty much leaves the other 75% of it for Whiskers to chill in.

SO I am hopeful that with good nutrition, plenty of hiding places, and good water quality Whiskers should lead a long happy life .

[naturalart]

Glad to hear your alberti is adjusting well. If you ever want to purchase more, I have 3 for sale: http://www.planetcatfish.com/forum/view ... 24&t=39745