Pyjama Catfish - (Synodontis flavitaeniatus)

🐟 Pyjama Catfish – (Synodontis flavitaeniatus) – Striped Upside-Down Catfish for Sale

The Pyjama Catfish (Synodontis flavitaeniatus) is a beautifully patterned Synodontis species from the Congo River Basin in Central Africa, prized for its bold horizontal stripes and peaceful temperament. Its name comes from its “striped pajama” appearance—contrasting dark and light bands running the length of its body.

Known for its upside-down swimming behavior and adaptability, the Pyjama Catfish is a hardy, long-lived species that thrives in community tanks with similarly sized tankmates.

🔎 Quick Facts – Pyjama Catfish (Synodontis flavitaeniatus)

• 📛 Common Names: Pyjama Catfish, Striped Synodontis, Upside-Down Catfish
• 🔬 Scientific Name: Synodontis flavitaeniatus
• 🌍 Origin: Congo River Basin, Central Africa
• 🎨 Appearance: Cream to golden base color with bold dark horizontal stripes; long whiskers (barbels) for foraging
• 📏 Max Size: 6–7 inches (15–18 cm)
• 💎 Availability: Occasionally available; usually wild-caught

😇 Behavior & Temperament

• 🤝 Peaceful bottom-dweller
• 🐟 Can be kept alone or in small groups
• 🪵 Active in the evening and at night, but may forage during the day
• 🧠 Coexists well with peaceful to semi-aggressive fish of similar size

🏠 Aquarium & Tank Requirements

• 📦 Minimum Tank Size: 40+ gallons
• 🌿 Provide caves, rockwork, and driftwood for hiding
• 🪵 Soft sandy substrate to protect barbels
• 💡 Moderate lighting with shaded areas
• 🌊 Gentle to moderate water movement

💧 Water Parameters – Pyjama Catfish Care

• 🌡️ Temperature: 73–79°F (23–26°C)
• ⚗️ pH: 6.5–7.5
• 💧 Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water

🍽️ Diet – Omnivorous

• 🌾 High-quality sinking catfish pellets
• 🦐 Frozen or live bloodworms, brine shrimp, and mysis shrimp
• 🪱 Blackworms and insect larvae
• 🥬 Blanched vegetables such as zucchini and cucumber

📋 Pyjama Catfish Care Overview Table

✨ Highlight:

• The Pyjama Catfish combines unique horizontal striping with a peaceful, hardy nature—making it both a visual standout and a reliable bottom-dweller for medium to large aquariums.