TankBud

Congicus squeaker

Synodontis congicus

Also known as Congo dotted squeaker

FreshwaterFish

Congicus squeaker (Synodontis congicus)
The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature
73–81°F
23–27°C
pH
6.2–7.8
Adult size
7.9 in
20 cm
Minimum tank
79 gal
300 L
Temperament
Mostly peaceful
Social behavior
Solitary
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Bottom
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Rare
Family
Mochokidae
Origin
Congo basin

Overview

The Congicus squeaker is a mostly peaceful catfish that patrols the bottom of the tank. It is best with a little experience.

Did you know

The name congicus simply means from the Congo. Most Congicus squeakers stay well under 13 cm, which makes the species one of the more modestly sized squeakers of that vast river system.

Caring for the Congicus squeaker

Give a Congicus squeaker at least 79 gal (300 L). Furnish the tank with soft sand, bogwood and shaded retreats, and keep the light low. It shelters in caves and wood tangles by day and comes out to feed once the tank is quiet.

Keep the water warm, at 73 to 81°F (23 to 27°C), with a pH of 6.2 to 7.8. Soft, slightly acidic water through to neutral suits it. A varied diet of sinking pellets, wafers and frozen invertebrates keeps it in good condition.

Keep it singly. It is a solitary catfish that does not form groups, and it can be pushy with its own kind. It is mostly peaceful, but choose tank mates with caution, picking calm, reasonably sized fish over very small species. Breeding in aquariums has not been recorded.

Good to know

The Congicus squeaker is a mid-sized member of the family Mochokidae. Its body is pale silvery gray, marked with one to four dark spots along the flank. The Belgian ichthyologist Max Poll described it in 1971.

In the wild

The Congicus squeaker lives in the upper and middle Congo basin. It keeps to quieter channels and backwaters near submerged wood.

Common questions

What size tank does a Congicus squeaker need?

A Congicus squeaker needs at least 79 gal (300 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH does a Congicus squeaker need?

A Congicus squeaker is comfortable at 73–81°F (23–27°C) with a pH of 6.2–7.8.

What does a Congicus squeaker eat?

A Congicus squeaker eats sinking pellets, wafers and frozen invertebrates. A varied mix of these keeps it in good condition.

How big does a Congicus squeaker get?

An adult Congicus squeaker reaches about 7.9 in (20 cm).

Related species