All fish / Mochokidae

Redtail Synodontis

Synodontis clarias

Also known as red tail synodontis, redtail squeaker, red-tailed synodontis, clarias squeaker, red tailed upside down catfish, シノドンティス・クラリアス, 红尾向天鼠

A sturdy squeaker catfish with a greyish to brownish body, often spotted when young, and a distinctive deeply forked tail tinged red or orange. It is kept for its hardiness, characterful nocturnal habits and the striking tail colour, suiting large tanks of robust African fish.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

25 cm

Temperature

22 to 28 °C

pH

6.5 to 8

Smallest tank

400 litres

Keep as

Singly or in a group of 3 or more in a large tank

Diet

Omnivore: sinking pellets, catfish tablets, bloodworm, shrimp, earthworms and vegetable matter

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Widespread in West and North-east Africa: Nile, Niger, Volta, Senegal, Gambia and Lake Chad basins

Breeding

Not known to have been bred reliably in home aquariums; trade specimens are wild-caught. In the wild it spawns during the rainy season flood period.

Good to know

Grows large and becomes territorial with other bottom dwellers, and will eat small fish at night. Its strong spines can snag in nets, so move it with a container.