All fish / Mochokidae

Cuango Synodontis

Synodontis cuangoanus

Also known as cuango squeaker, cuangoanus synodontis, synodontis cuangoanus, kwango synodontis

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A typical upside-down catfish-type squeaker with a brownish body marked with dark spots, branched barbels and a strong spine at the front of the dorsal fin. It is seldom seen in the trade and mostly kept by catfish enthusiasts who want a less common Congo basin Synodontis.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

15 cm

Temperature

22 to 27 °C

pH

6.5 to 7.5

Smallest tank

200 litres

Keep as

Single or a small group of 3 or more in a large tank

Diet

Omnivore: sinking pellets, wafers, frozen bloodworm and shrimp, vegetable matter

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Kwango (Cuango) River system, Angola and Democratic Republic of the Congo

Breeding

Captive breeding has not been reported. Like related Synodontis it is probably an egg scatterer, and trade fish are likely to be wild caught.

Good to know

It can be territorial with other bottom dwellers and will eat very small fish, so give it plenty of caves and robust tankmates. Many spotted Synodontis look alike and this species is often mislabelled.