All fish / Mochokidae

Leopard Synodontis

Synodontis leopardus

Also known as leopard squeaker, leopard synodontis catfish, synodontis leopardus, squeaker catfish, シノドンティス・レオパルドゥス, 豹纹倒吊鼠

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This is a sturdy squeaker catfish with a pale to buff body covered in large dark spots and a deeply forked tail. It is mostly active at dusk and makes a good bottom dweller for larger tanks of robust African or Central American fish.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

20 cm

Temperature

22 to 27 °C

pH

6.5 to 8

Smallest tank

250 litres

Keep as

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

Diet

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

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Lake Victoria and Lake Kyoga basins and nearby rivers, East Africa (Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania)

Breeding

There are no reliable records of it spawning in home aquariums. Fish in the trade are usually wild caught or come from commercial farms.

Good to know

Many fish sold under this name are actually other spotted species or hybrids, so check identification before you buy. It can grow large and may eat small tankmates at night.