All fish / Mochokidae

Orange-striped Squeaker

Synodontis flavitaeniata

Also known as orange striped synodontis, yellow striped synodontis, yellow-lined synodontis, flavitaeniatus, synodontis flavitaeniatus, orange striped squeaker catfish, シノドンティス・フラビタエニアタ, 黄纹向天鼠

A striking Congo catfish with a dark brown body crossed lengthways by bold yellow to orange stripes, plus the three pairs of barbels typical of squeakers. It is kept for its unusual colouring and hardy nature, and it is one of the more attractive Synodontis for a large community of robust fish.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

15 cm

Temperature

23 to 27 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

200 litres

Keep as

Singly or a group of 3 or more in a large tank with plenty of caves

Diet

Omnivore: sinking pellets, catfish tablets, frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp, some vegetable matter

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Central Congo River basin (Democratic Republic of the Congo)

Breeding

Spawning in home aquariums has rarely if ever been reported, and nearly all fish in the trade are wild caught. It is presumed to scatter eggs like related Synodontis.

Good to know

It is mostly nocturnal and can be territorial with other bottom dwellers, so give each fish its own cave and keep it away from very small fish it might eat. Stripe patterns vary between individuals, and similar striped Synodontis are sometimes sold under this name.