At the OCA Extravaganza (Strongsville, Ohio, USA) in November, I saw a to me previously unknown breeding form of Synodontis eupterus. This form has only been available in the USA for a few months and is traded there as ‘albino’ or ‘piebald’. According to the dealer predatoryfins.com, the proportion of dark markings varies, as does the base colour, which is said to fluctuate between white and yellow. The eyes can be completely red, completely black or half and half coloured, depending on the individual. I was able to get a good impression of the variability of the markings and colouration thanks to two fish exhibited at the event. The eye colouration also seems to depend, at least in part, on the incident light and the presence or absence of a flash or video light. The dorsal fin rays are very elongated, giving this new breed a truly captivating appearance. The fish were initially traded for $175 (€165) but have now become somewhat cheaper and will therefore certainly hold their own in the aquarium hobby.

Text und Bilder: Daniel Konn-Vetterlein