Synodontus

Synodontus is a genus of small, armored catfish belonging to the family Auchenipteridae. These fish are native to freshwater environments in South America, particularly in the Amazon basin and surrounding river systems. They are characterized by their elongated bodies and the presence of bony plates, or scutes, along their flanks, which provide a form of defense.

Synodontus species are typically nocturnal and often inhabit the substrate of rivers, streams, and flooded forests. During the day, they tend to hide in crevices, under logs, or amongst aquatic vegetation. Their diet consists mainly of small invertebrates, detritus, and organic matter. While some species are more commonly encountered in the aquarium trade, many remain relatively understudied in their natural habitats. Their reproductive strategies are not extensively documented for all species, but like many catfish, they are believed to lay eggs. The genus Synodontus encompasses a variety of species, each with subtle differences in coloration, finnage, and body shape, contributing to the biodiversity of South American freshwater ecosystems.