Catfish – Occelifer Catfish (Synodontis occelifer) 4-5cm

The Occelifer Catfish comes from various West and Central African river systems and occur in river basins of the Chad, Senegal, Gambia, Volta, Niger, and the Benue.

The Occelifer Catfish inhabit slow moving streams and backwaters. These are a peaceful fish that will be found in schools as juveniles, but as adults, they prefer a solitary life. They are very quiet and still during the daytime, then become active in the evening hours and at night, scavenging for food items.

They mostly eat plant matter and algae, but will also consume dead fish, worms, and other proteins. Foods they have been reported to consume in the wild include zoobenthos, mollusks, bivalves, oysters, terrestrial insects, detritus, debris, benthic algae/weeds, benthic crustaceans, zooplankton, and other planktonic invertebrates.

The Occelifer Catfish is not a difficult fish to care for and will be great for a beginner and expert fish keepers. However it does need a good sized tank of 200 litres or more, and as juveniles are much more pH sensitive then adults. It has the characteristic sharp spines on its dorsal fin and so should be transported using a glass or plastic container rather than a net.

They require clean water that is high in oxygen and a good supply of food on the bottom of the tank. A little salt can be added to their water to aid in disease prevention.

These fish do a great job keeping the bottom cleaned of food and debris, making them little living vacuums. However, these fish are known to die from overeating so take care not to over feed. It can sometimes be difficult to make sure this fish is getting the proper nutrients, make sure to vary their diet.

The Occelifer Catfish are omnivores and are most unfussy in terms of feeding. In the wild they will feed on just about everything. In the aquarium, they will generally eat all kinds of live, frozen, and prepared foods. To keep a good balance give them high quality sinking pellets everyday, along with frozen bloodworms and a good quality flake food. Also feed brine shrimp (either live or frozen) as a regular treat. Make sure to provide foods with vegetables for balanced nutrition. If the tank is not established adding algae wafers to the tank is a good substitute. They will also relish vegetable foods such as shelled peas and cucumbers.

The Occelifer Catfish are good sized fish, so you will need tp provide a good size aquarium with many hiding places as they will spend much of their time hidden under driftwood or in caves during the day. Driftwood, large twisted roots and rocks forming caves make great places for retreat. This will also help shelter their fry if you get lucky and they decide to breed. Driftwood is very necessary to these fish, it not only acts as a hiding place but it will also be chewed on it and they get some nutrition out of it.

Plants can be included but are not essential. Use a smooth substrate. To get the most enjoyment out of this keeping this fish you can use Moonlight LEDs for nighttime viewing.

• Species – Synodontis occelifer
• Common Name – Occelifer
• Origin – Chad, Senegal, Gambia, Volta, Niger, and the Benue
• Diet – Omnivorous
• PH Range – Alkaline 6.2 – 7.5
• Temperature – Tropical 24°c
• Breed Type – egg layer
• Current Size – approximately 6cm (Grows to approximately 25cm)
• Sex – Un-sexed