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Poll's dwarf synodontis

Microsynodontis polli

Also known as Polli dwarf squeaker

FreshwaterFish

Poll's dwarf synodontis (Microsynodontis polli)

Care at a glance

Temperature
73–81°F
23–27°C
pH
6.0–7.5
Adult size
1.8 in
4.5 cm
Minimum tank
20 gal
75 L
Temperament
Peaceful
Social behavior
Social
Swim level
Bottom
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Rare
Family
Mochokidae
Origin
Gbin and Saint John rivers, Guinea and Liberia

Overview

Poll's dwarf synodontis is a nano squeaker for the bottom of a calm, small-fish tank. It suits a keeper with some experience.

Did you know

Poll's dwarf synodontis is small enough to rest in a teaspoon. That puts it among the tiniest of all the squeaker catfishes.

Caring for the Poll's dwarf synodontis

Give a Poll's dwarf synodontis at least 20 gal (75 L), which can hold a small group. Use soft sand with a litter of leaves, bogwood and low light. It is tiny and shy, so give it plenty of cover.

Keep the water at 73 to 81°F (23 to 27°C) with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Soft, slightly acidic to neutral water with gentle flow suits it. It works through leaf litter on the bottom, so offer fine sinking foods and small frozen items after the lights go down.

Poll's dwarf synodontis is sociable and can live alone or in a small group. It is entirely peaceful and safe with other calm, small species. Choose tank mates that will not bully it or race it to food. Breeding is not recorded in aquaria.

Good to know

Poll's dwarf synodontis is a dwarf of the genus Microsynodontis, in the family Mochokidae. It was named in honor of Max Poll, a museum ichthyologist who described a great many African fishes. Poll documented central African fishes for decades.

In the wild

Poll's dwarf synodontis lives in small forest streams of Upper Guinea, in the Gbin river of Guinea and the Saint John river of Liberia. It is found among leaf litter and roots, in shaded water.

Weekly picks

Tank mates

The Poll's dwarf synodontis is a peaceful, social species that keeps to the bottom. These picks share a community profile with it, are safe together in both directions, and overlap on water type, temperature and pH.

Check the full mix in the stocking calculator

Common questions

What size tank does a Poll's dwarf synodontis need?

A Poll's dwarf synodontis needs at least 20 gal (75 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH does a Poll's dwarf synodontis need?

A Poll's dwarf synodontis is comfortable at 73–81°F (23–27°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.

What does a Poll's dwarf synodontis eat?

Poll's dwarf synodontis eats fine sinking foods and small frozen items. Offer them after the lights go down, while it works through the leaf litter.

How big does a Poll's dwarf synodontis get?

An adult Poll's dwarf synodontis reaches about 1.8 in (4.5 cm).

Related species