Taxonomy & naming
Microsynodontis batesii was described by George Boulenger in 1903 from the Mvile River in southern Cameroon. It is valid in the family Mochokidae. FishBase notes that older reports from the Congo basin refer to another species, probably Microsynodontis christyi, so the true range is the Atlantic-draining rivers of the Gulf of Guinea.
Morphology
FishBase gives a maximum of 3.5 in SL, and a reported standard length of 4 in in the older literature. It is a small, stout mochokid with the typical three pairs of barbels, the branched mandibular barbels, and a sharp pectoral spine.
Habitat
FishBase lists the Ntem River in Gabon and Cameroon and the Campo, Ivindo, Lobe, Nyong and Sanaga in Cameroon. Recorded water values are 72–79 °F, pH 6.8 to 7.5 and hardness 10 to 15 dH.
Feeding
Diet is not recorded in the FishBase entry. Small mochokids take insect larvae, small crustaceans and detritus from the bottom, which sets a fair feeding approach in captivity.
Mating
FishBase records distinct pairing during breeding.
Breeding
FishBase lists the species as oviparous. Egg care and captive spawning are not recorded in the sources used here.
In the aquarium
A small tank with caves, pipes and wood suits it. Keep it at FishBase's 72–79 °F, pH 6.8 to 7.5 and 10 to 15 dH, with peaceful tankmates and sinking foods offered at dusk.
Conservation
The IUCN Red List assessed Microsynodontis batesii as Data Deficient in 2009. That means the assessors lacked the data for a risk category, not that the species is secure.