All fish / Mochokidae

Steindachner's Synodontis

Synodontis steindachneri

Also known as steindachner's squeaker, steindachner's synodontis, synodontis steindachnerii, squeaker catfish

This West-central African squeaker catfish has a light body scattered with dark spots, a forked tail and the long barbels typical of Synodontis. Keepers like it because it is hardy, active at dusk and helps clear leftover food from the bottom of community tanks with larger fish.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

15 cm

Temperature

23 to 27 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

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 some vegetable matter

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Cameroon, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea (Ntem, Ogooué and nearby coastal basins)

Breeding

There are few or no reliable records of captive breeding in home aquariums. Related Synodontis are usually bred commercially with hormone injections.

Good to know

Like other squeakers it may squabble with its own kind or eat very small fish at night, so give it caves and hiding places. Its fin spines can catch in nets, and it can be confused with other spotted Synodontis species that are sold under the same name.