Congicus squeaker
Synodontis congicus
Also known as Congo dotted squeaker
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
- Tankmates with caution
- Swim level
- Bottom
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- No record
- Rarity
- Rare
- Origin
- Congo basin
- Family
- Mochokidae
Overview
Keep the congicus squeaker singly, as it is a solitary catfish that does not form groups and can be pushy with others of its kind. It patrols the bottom and likes caves and wood tangles to shelter in by day, emerging to feed once the tank is quiet. It is mostly peaceful but rated as a caution fish, so match it with calm, reasonably sized tankmates rather than very small species. A varied diet of sinking pellets, wafers, and frozen invertebrates keeps it in good condition. A tank of around 300 liters gives it room.
In the wild
This species lives in the upper and middle Congo basin, in quieter channels and backwaters near submerged wood. Furnish the tank with soft sand, bogwood, and shaded retreats, and keep the light low. Aim for warm water between 23 and 27 C and a pH of 6.2 to 7.8, from soft and slightly acidic through to neutral.
Good to know
A mid sized member of the family Mochokidae, it is listed at up to about 20 centimeters, though most stay well under 13 centimeters. The body is pale silvery grey marked with one to four dark spots along the flank. It was described by the Belgian ichthyologist Max Poll in 1971. Breeding in aquaria has not been recorded.
Did you know
The name congicus simply means from the Congo. Although its maximum length is near 20 centimeters, most specimens stay much smaller, making it one of the more modestly sized squeakers of that vast river system.
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 do Congicus squeaker need?
Congicus squeaker are comfortable at 73–81°F (23–27°C) with a pH of 6.2–7.8.
How big do Congicus squeaker get?
An adult Congicus squeaker reaches about 7.9 in (20 cm).
Where to buy
Some links may not be the exact species or variety.
…or ask your local fish store.
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Related species
Bigeye squeaker
Synodontis albertiFreshwater7.9 in (20 cm)40 gal (150 L)72–79°F (22–26°C)
Featherfin squeaker
Synodontis eupterusFreshwater7.9 in (20 cm)45 gal (170 L)72–81°F (22–27°C)
Ocellated squeaker
Synodontis ocelliferFreshwater7.9 in (20 cm)53 gal (200 L)73–81°F (23–27°C)Common syno
Synodontis nigritaFreshwater7.9 in (20 cm)55 gal (210 L)70–82°F (21–28°C)
Lake Malawi syno
Synodontis njassaeFreshwater7.5 in (19 cm)40 gal (150 L)73–82°F (23–28°C)Velifer squeaker
Synodontis veliferFreshwater8.7 in (22 cm)79 gal (300 L)73–81°F (23–27°C)