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I picked through a tank of wild Synodontis and found some small Synodontis that appear to be S. clarias without the red tail. Does anyone know if their tail turns red when they grow larger? The fish are 2.5 inches in length.
Mark

I think S.clarias has a red tail and black body as juvenile, then fades to grey with age retaining some red pigment on the tail.

Does THIS look familiar. They have been showing up as a contaminant lately.

Not all have red tails. It could also be diet related.

Paul
I just looked at the fish aqain. It looks just like S. clarias with out the red tail. The maxillary barbals are feathered.
Mark

I have seen young S. clarias without red tails. Might be a stress- or diet-related issue.

Thanks,
I will see if the red tail develops over time.
Mark

We have a group of four S. clarias. The red tail really didn't appear until they got to be 12cm. The tail coloration has intensified as the fish have grown.

Gas,
Thanks for the info. Now I am sure they are clarias.

Mark

Thanks Barbie