Lake Malawi syno
Synodontis njassae
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 73–82°F (23–28°C)
- pH
- 7.5–8.5
- Adult size
- 7.5 in (19 cm)
- Minimum tank
- 40 gal (150 L)
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Social
- Swim level
- Bottom
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- No record
- Rarity
- Rare
- Origin
- Lake Malawi
- Family
- Mochokidae
Overview
The Lake Malawi syno is an attractive rift-lake catfish that is often seen in loose groups near rocky shores, so keep it singly or in a small group with space for each fish. It is mostly peaceful but can be territorial, and it pairs naturally with mbuna and peacock cichlids that share its hard water. It forages over the bottom mainly at night, taking sinking pellets, frozen foods, and vegetable matter without fuss. Provide rock piles with caves and a sandy floor, and while it will fit in around 150 liters, give it more room in a busy Malawi community.
In the wild
Synodontis njassae is the only squeaker native to Lake Malawi, a large, deep rift lake with hard, alkaline, and remarkably stable water. Reproduce those conditions with a pH of 7.5 to 8.5 and a temperature between 23 and 28 degrees C. Build a rocky biotope of stacked stone forming caves and shaded crevices over sand, leaving open water for swimming. Strong filtration, good oxygenation, and regular water changes keep the lake environment clean and consistent.
Good to know
A member of Mochokidae, Synodontis njassae grows to around 19 centimeters and is the single Synodontis species found in Lake Malawi. It is an upside-down-capable catfish with the family's bony head plates and lockable pectoral spines that it grinds to make its squeaking calls. It feeds as an omnivore over rock and sand. Breeding is not documented in home aquariums.
Did you know
Lake Malawi is home to hundreds of cichlid species but just one squeaker catfish, Synodontis njassae, which evolved there and lives nowhere else in the world.
Where to buy
Some links may not be the exact species or variety.
…or ask your local fish store.
Appears in
Keeping Lake Malawi syno?
Track water tests, reminders and stocking fit.
Related species
Bigeye squeaker
Synodontis alberti7.9 in (20 cm)40 gal (150 L)72–79°F (22–26°C)
Featherfin squeaker
Synodontis eupterus7.9 in (20 cm)45 gal (170 L)72–81°F (22–27°C)
Ocellated squeaker
Synodontis ocellifer7.9 in (20 cm)53 gal (200 L)73–81°F (23–27°C)Common syno
Synodontis nigrita7.9 in (20 cm)55 gal (210 L)70–82°F (21–28°C)Poll's synodontis
Synodontis polli7.1 in (18 cm)50 gal (190 L)72–79°F (22–26°C)
Brichard's synodontis
Synodontis brichardi6.3 in (16 cm)50 gal (190 L)72–79°F (22–26°C)