TankBud

Pardalis squeaker

Synodontis pardalis

Also known as Leopard squeaker

FreshwaterFish

Pardalis squeaker (Synodontis pardalis)

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
With caution
Swim level
Bottom
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Rare
Family
Mochokidae
Origin
Dja basin, Cameroon

Overview

The Pardalis squeaker is a mostly peaceful, nocturnal catfish for the bottom of a large tank. It is a fair pick for a keeper past the beginner stage.

Did you know

The word pardalis is Greek for leopard. The Pardalis squeaker was given that name for the cat-like spots that cover its body.

Caring for the Pardalis squeaker

Give a Pardalis squeaker at least 79 gal (300 L) with plenty of hiding places. Use a soft sand bed, bogwood, rocky caves and subdued lighting. It shelters among the wood and caves by day and forages the floor at night.

Keep the water 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. A mixed diet of sinking pellets, catfish wafers and frozen foods such as bloodworm keeps it healthy.

Keep it on its own, since it is a solitary catfish that does not school and may quarrel with other bottom dwellers. It is mostly peaceful, but pick its tank mates with caution. Calm, medium-sized fish suit it better than very small ones. Aquarium breeding is unrecorded.

Good to know

The Pardalis squeaker is a member of the family Mochokidae and wears a bold pattern of dark rosettes. It is regarded as threatened where mining pollutes its home water. With its whole range in one drainage, its future is tied to the health of that river.

In the wild

The Pardalis squeaker is found only in the Dja river drainage of southern Cameroon. The Dja is a forest river running over sand, wood and rock.

Common questions

What size tank does a Pardalis squeaker need?

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

What temperature and pH does a Pardalis squeaker need?

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

What does a Pardalis squeaker eat?

A Pardalis squeaker eats a mixed diet of sinking pellets, catfish wafers and frozen foods such as bloodworm. It forages the floor at night.

How big does a Pardalis squeaker get?

An adult Pardalis squeaker reaches about 9.3 in (23.5 cm).

Related species