TankBud

Longnose squeaker

Synodontis longirostris

Also known as Longirostris synodontis

FreshwaterFish

Longnose squeaker (Synodontis longirostris)

Care at a glance

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

Overview

The longnose squeaker is a very large, nocturnal catfish from the Congo that needs a big tank. It is a project for experienced keepers.

Did you know

Most squeakers have a blunt face, but the longnose squeaker has a long, tapering snout that marks it out at any age. The snout suits rooting through soft substrate and gives the fish both its common and scientific names. Longirostris means long snouted.

Caring for the longnose squeaker

A longnose squeaker needs a tank with a big footprint and at least 185 gal (700 L). Give it a soft sand bed and heavy bogwood, where it hides by day. Run strong filtration with good flow and oxygen.

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 to neutral water suits it. It forages the floor at night, so feed substantial sinking foods, large pellets and meaty frozen or prepared foods.

It is solitary, so keep a single fish unless the tank is enormous. It is mostly peaceful but will eat any fish small enough to fit in its mouth. Its tank mates must be large and robust. Breeding is not recorded in captivity.

Good to know

The longnose squeaker belongs to the catfish family Mochokidae and grows into one of the giants of its genus. Some fish have been recorded near 66 cm.

In the wild

The longnose squeaker lives in the large channels of the Congo river system. It keeps to sand and rock in flowing water.

Common questions

What size tank does a longnose squeaker need?

A longnose squeaker needs at least 185 gal (700 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH does a longnose squeaker need?

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

What does a longnose squeaker eat?

A longnose squeaker eats substantial sinking foods, large pellets and meaty frozen or prepared foods. It will also eat any fish small enough to fit in its mouth.

How big does a longnose squeaker get?

An adult longnose squeaker reaches about 23.6 in (60 cm).

Related species