Barbel regrowth in Synos

[Shane]

One of the Synos I recently collected had damaged barbels. The barbels were about 1" long at capture. After a few weeks in captivity they are about 1.5" and the new growth is clearly distinguishable as it is slightly thinner and lighter in color. I tried to take a pic tonight but those crazy fish will just not hold still. Has anyone else observed this?
-Shane

[Birger]

Most syno's are fairly durable and when damaged can come back from some injuries or abuse a person would not think possible, they must be doing just fine in your tank.

Are you saying these syno's are fairly active at all times? (or just when taking pictures)

Have you seen the picture in Seegers Catfishes of Africa book that shows a cleaning relationship between S. afrofischeri and a a Haplochromis sp.?

Birger

[Shane]

Are you saying these syno's are fairly active at all times? (or just when taking pictures)

In the wild they are quite nocturnal according to local fishermen and for their first two weeks in captivity were shy, especially when the lights were on. Not so now. They are out happily chasing each other about or just exploring non stop even with the aquarium lights on. Part of the reason may be that they are a male and female.

I spent 30 minutes last night trying to get some good pics for a COTM article with no luck. they just never sit still.
-Shane