All fish / Mochokidae

Vermiculated Synodontis

Synodontis schoutedeni

Also known as schoutedeni synodontis, vermiculated squeaker, vermiculatus catfish, marbled synodontis, schoutedens squeaker, synodontis schoutendeni, シノドンティス・シュートデニィ, 斯考氏歧须鮠

This squeaker catfish has a pale cream to yellowish body covered in a maze of dark brown worm-like lines, giving it a striking marbled look. It is hardy, long-lived and becomes more active at dusk, making it a popular centrepiece catfish for larger community tanks with robust fish.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

14 cm

Temperature

22 to 27 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

200 litres

Keep as

Single or a group of 3 or more with plenty of hiding places

Diet

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

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

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

Breeding

There are no reliable reports of it breeding in home aquariums. Fish in the trade are wild caught.

Good to know

It can squabble with other bottom dwellers and will eat very small fish at night. Its spines can snag in nets, so move it with a container.