TankBud

Robertsi squeaker

Synodontis robertsi

Also known as Roberts's dwarf squeaker

FreshwaterFish

Robertsi squeaker (Synodontis robertsi)
The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature
73–81°F
23–27°C
pH
6.2–7.8
Adult size
3.9 in
10 cm
Minimum tank
42 gal
160 L
Temperament
Mostly peaceful
Social behavior
Solitary
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Bottom
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Rare
Family
Mochokidae
Origin
Middle Congo, Lukenie drainage

Overview

The Robertsi squeaker is a small, solitary bottom dweller for a soft water tank. It is a step up from the easiest fish.

Did you know

The Robertsi squeaker is one of the smallest and most sought after squeakers. In the wild it is known from a single river, which is part of why it stays rare and prized in the hobby.

Caring for the Robertsi squeaker

Give a Robertsi squeaker a tank of at least 42 gal (160 L), with plenty of cover. A sand floor, bogwood, dried leaves, caves and dim lighting suit it, with gentle flow. It shelters in the caves and among the wood, coming out to feed after dark.

Keep the water warm, soft and tannin stained, at 73 to 81°F (23 to 27°C). It wants slightly acidic to neutral water, with a pH of 6.2 to 7.8. Offer small meaty foods, fine sinking pellets and frozen bloodworm or shrimp.

Keep one to a tank, since it is solitary and does not form groups. It is mostly peaceful, but it is small and easily bullied. Pair it only with calm, small to medium tank mates, not large or pushy species. Aquarium breeding is unrecorded.

Good to know

The Robertsi squeaker is a dwarf squeaker of the family Mochokidae. Its off white body is broken by bold dark blotches on the flanks and fins, and its eyes are large for the head. It is named for the ichthyologist Tyson Roberts, who helped collect the first specimens, and it is also sold as Roberts's dwarf squeaker. It can be long lived, reaching 10 to 15 years.

In the wild

The Robertsi squeaker lives in the Lukenie river in the middle Congo, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It keeps to soft, tannin stained blackwater among wood and leaf litter.

Common questions

What size tank does a Robertsi squeaker need?

A Robertsi squeaker needs at least 42 gal (160 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH does a Robertsi squeaker need?

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

What does a Robertsi squeaker eat?

A Robertsi squeaker eats small meaty foods, fine sinking pellets and frozen bloodworm or shrimp. It comes out to feed after dark.

How big does a Robertsi squeaker get?

An adult Robertsi squeaker reaches about 3.9 in (10 cm).

Related species