Poll's dwarf synodontis

Microsynodontis polli

Also known as Polli dwarf squeaker

FreshwaterFish

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
Origin: Gbin and Saint John rivers, Guinea and Liberia
Family: Mochokidae

Overview

This nano squeaker reaches only about 4.5 centimeters and is a sociable fish, so keep it in a small group rather than singly. It is entirely peaceful and safe with other calm, small species, spending its time working through leaf litter on the bottom. Because it is tiny and shy, give it soft substrate, plenty of cover, and tankmates that will not bully it or race it to food. Offer fine sinking foods and small frozen items after the lights go down. A modest tank of around 75 liters can hold a group.

In the wild

It lives in small forest streams of Upper Guinea, in the Gbin river of Guinea and the Saint John river of Liberia, among leaf litter and roots in shaded water. Recreate that with soft sand, a litter of leaves, bogwood, and low light, with gentle flow. Keep the water warm, from 23 to 27 C, and soft and slightly acidic to neutral, at a pH of 6.0 to 7.5.

Good to know

This is one of the smallest members of the family Mochokidae, a dwarf of the genus Microsynodontis at only about 4.5 centimeters. It was named in honour of Max Poll, the ichthyologist who documented central African fishes for decades. Breeding is not recorded in aquaria.

Did you know

It is named after Max Poll, the museum ichthyologist who described a great many African fishes. His namesake is small enough to rest in a teaspoon, among the tiniest of all the squeaker catfishes.

Tank mates

Poll's dwarf synodontis is a peaceful, social species that keeps to the bottom. These picks match on water type, temperature, pH, size and temperament.