All fish / Mochokidae

Synodontis geledensis

Synodontis geledensis

Also known as geledi synodontis, geledensis catfish, squeaker catfish

This is a lesser known squeaker catfish from East African rivers. It has a greyish brown body with dark spots, a forked tail and three pairs of barbels. Keepers of African fish and catfish collectors keep it because it is hardy, active at dusk and less common than the usual Synodontis species.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

15 cm

Temperature

23 to 27 °C

pH

6.5 to 8

Smallest tank

200 litres

Keep as

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

Diet

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

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 15 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

East Africa: coastal rivers of Tanzania, Kenya and Mozambique

Breeding

There are no reliable reports of it breeding in captivity. It is probably an egg scatterer like its relatives, and any fish on sale are likely to be wild caught.

Good to know

It can be territorial with other bottom dwellers and may eat very small fish, so provide caves and avoid tiny tankmates. Wild specimens are rarely traded, and some fish sold under this name may be wrongly identified.