Pardalis squeaker

Synodontis pardalis

Also known as Leopard squeaker

FreshwaterFish

Care at a glance

Temperature: 73–81°F (23–27°C)
pH: 6.2–7.8
Adult size: 9.3 in (23.5 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: Dja basin, Cameroon
Family: Mochokidae

Overview

Keep the leopard squeaker on its own, as it is a solitary catfish that does not school and may quarrel with other bottom dwellers. It shelters among wood and caves by day and forages the floor at night. It is mostly peaceful, but as a caution fish it is best matched with calm, medium sized tankmates rather than very small fish. A mixed diet of sinking pellets, catfish wafers, and frozen foods such as bloodworm keeps it healthy. Allow a tank of around 300 liters with plenty of hiding places.

In the wild

It is found only in the Dja river drainage of southern Cameroon, a forest river running over sand, wood, and rock. Recreate that with a soft sand bed, bogwood, rocky caves, and subdued lighting. Keep the water warm, from 23 to 27 C, and soft and slightly acidic to neutral, at a pH of 6.2 to 7.8.

Good to know

A squeaker of the family Mochokidae, it reaches about 23.5 centimeters and wears a bold pattern of dark rosettes. The name pardalis is the Greek word for leopard, chosen for that spotting. It is restricted to a single river system and is regarded as threatened where mining pollutes its home water. Aquarium breeding is unrecorded.

Did you know

The epithet pardalis is the same word used for the leopard, given for the cat like spots that cover the fish. It lives only in the Dja drainage of Cameroon, so its future is tied to the health of that one river.