All fish / Mochokidae

One-spot Synodontis

Synodontis notatus

Also known as one spot synodontis, onespot squeaker, one-spot squeaker, spotted synodontis, notatus catfish, one spot catfish, synodontis notata, シノドンティス・ノタトゥス, 单点向天鼠

A sturdy squeaker catfish with a grey to bronze body marked by one or a few large black spots on each flank, long branched barbels and a deeply forked tail. It is kept for its hardiness, long life and character, becoming active around dusk and often feeding in the open once settled.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

20 cm

Temperature

22 to 27 °C

pH

6.2 to 7.8

Smallest tank

300 litres

Keep as

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

Diet

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

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Congo River basin (DR Congo, Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic)

Breeding

Captive breeding is rare and has seldom been reported in home aquariums. Commercial supplies come mainly from wild collection or hormone-induced spawning on farms.

Good to know

Grows to around 20 cm or more and can become territorial towards other bottom dwellers, and it will eat very small fish. The spines can tangle in nets, and some fish sold under this name are similar spotted Synodontis species.