Bug-eyed squeaker
Synodontis pleurops
Also known as Congo bigeye squeaker, Bug-eyed synodontis
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 73–81°F (23–27°C)
- pH
- 6.2–7.8
- Adult size
- 12.8 in (32.5 cm)
- Minimum tank
- 106 gal (400 L)
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Solitary
- Tankmates
- Tankmates with caution
- Swim level
- Bottom
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- No record
- Rarity
- Rare
- Origin
- Congo rapids region
- Family
- Mochokidae
Overview
This is a solitary, active squeaker best kept one to a tank, since it does not shoal and older fish squabble with other bottom dwellers. It is a strong swimmer that appreciates current and open floor space between rocks and wood. It stays mostly peaceful, but it is a caution fish for the community: house it with sturdy, mid sized companions rather than tiny fish it might treat as food. Offer meaty sinking foods, catfish pellets and wafers, and frozen bloodworm or shrimp, ideally in the evening. Plan on a tank of at least 400 liters.
In the wild
It comes from the fast, oxygen rich stretches of the upper Congo around the Boyoma Falls, where water tumbles over rock. Set up a tank with brisk flow, a mix of smooth stones and bogwood for cover, and strong filtration to keep oxygen high. Warm water from 23 to 27 C suits it, at a pH of 6.2 to 7.8 spanning soft to slightly hard.
Good to know
A squeaker of the family Mochokidae, it grows to about 32.5 centimeters and is easily known by its large head and unusually big eyes. It was described by George Albert Boulenger in 1899 from the Boyoma Falls in the Congo. The oversized eyes suit a life in dim, turbulent water. Aquarium breeding is unrecorded.
Did you know
Its name, pleurops, comes from Greek words for side and eye. The large, high set eyes that earn it the bug eyed nickname help it see in the murky, fast moving water of the Congo rapids where it lives.
Common questions
What size tank does a Bug-eyed squeaker need?
A Bug-eyed squeaker needs at least 106 gal (400 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.
What temperature and pH do Bug-eyed squeaker need?
Bug-eyed squeaker are comfortable at 73–81°F (23–27°C) with a pH of 6.2–7.8.
How big do Bug-eyed squeaker get?
An adult Bug-eyed squeaker reaches about 12.8 in (32.5 cm).
Where to buy
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