All fish / Mochokidae

Laessoe's Synodontis

Synodontis laessoei

Also known as laessoe's squeaker, laessoei synodontis, synodontis laesoei, congo squeaker

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This is a little-known squeaker catfish from the Congo basin with a pale body marked by dark spots and blotches, a forked tail and three pairs of barbels. Like other Synodontis it is hardy, mostly active at dusk and appeals to keepers of Central African and catfish collections.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

12 cm

Temperature

23 to 27 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

150 litres

Keep as

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

Diet

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

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Democratic Republic of the Congo, middle Congo River basin

Breeding

It has not been reliably bred in home aquariums. Captive spawning in the genus is rare and usually relies on hormones in commercial farms.

Good to know

It is rarely imported, so fish sold under this name may be misidentified look-alike Synodontis species. Like other squeakers it has sharp fin spines that can snag in nets, and it may claim caves and eat very small tankmates.