What is a synodontis lace catfish?

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bazil323

bazil323

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I saw these at Walmart, and they looked pretty cool. But, I can't find anything about them! At Walmart, they were labeled Synodontis Lace Catfish. They were about 1"-1.5" at the store. They were black with, I think, light gray stripes in crazy patterns.

Any ideas? I'm just curious really, but I may in the far future get some from a more reputable dealer.
 
blissskr

blissskr

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Jun 22, 2008
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What size is your tank? Because they grow to a very good size about 12".
 
bazil323

bazil323

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I wasn't going to get any now or even in the near future. I don't have room in any of my tanks. Nor do I think any of them would be big enough. My largest is the 75g I'm planning, which my plan wouldn't accommodate them anyway. I'd have to get a new tank if I wanted them.

But if I did, what size tank would be appropriate? And what's the scientific name? Or at least, the more common name?
 
bazil323

bazil323

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They don't look anything like those pictures. Unless the juvenile coloring is different, I doubt that they are the same fish. I'll see if I can maybe sneak a pic.
 
T

toddnbecka

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"Lace" catfish is a generic common name for a variety of species. Take a look at S. eupterus, (google, "images", 3rd page) and see if the juvies look like the ones you spotted at Wal-Mart.
 
bazil323

bazil323

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Yes, the juvenile pic of the S. eupterus does look quite like the ones at WM. Are there any catfish that keep that pattern and color through adulthood? I didn't care for the adult coloration of the S. eupterus, but if there's something that is more like the juvenile, that would be awesome!

I wonder how many people buy those cute little catfish at WM and are completely surprised to end up with a large fish that looks so different from what they bought.
 
T

toddnbecka

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There are hundreds of different species of Synodontis, but most aren't generally available (particularly at Wal-Mart.) S. eupterus is a commonly available species, along with nigriventris (upside-down cats) and the mixed species of "lace" cats.
Wal-Mart also sells a similar-looking fish, the Asian upside-down catfish. They're black with a few metallic specks on the body. They aren't Syno's, and are generally more aggressive, particularly toward their own species. Buying 2-3 will soon end up as 1 that has killed the others. They do make good tankmates for larger cichlids though.
 
P

purplegirl

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Mar 10, 2010
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If I haqve one in my planted 29 gal- a lace catfish form Wal mart, that is-should I be finding a new home for it? I hope it isn't the kind of catfish that tears everything up!
 
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