[2] Synodontis schall is able to adapt to many different kinds of food and habitats, increasing the chances of survival.

[2] Synodontis schall has a shield on its body and has strong bony spines on the pectoral and dorsal fins.

Recent studies have found evidence for an increase number of teeth and gill rakers which could possibly point to a change from them being herbivores to carnivores.

[3] The grunting sounds created by the swim bladder are most likely made by the vibration of its walls.

The diet of Synodontis schall is one of macrophytes and algae, which are the two main types of food for them, fish and egg scales, insect larvae, and molluscs.