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
Tankmates with caution
Swim level
Bottom
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Rare
Origin
Middle Congo, Lukenie drainage
Family
Mochokidae

Overview

This is a small squeaker of about 10 centimeters, kept one to a tank as it is solitary and does not form groups. It is mostly peaceful, but because it is small and easily bullied it is a caution fish: pair it only with calm, small to medium tankmates, not large or pushy species. It shelters in caves and among wood, coming out to feed after dark. Offer small meaty foods, fine sinking pellets, and frozen bloodworm or shrimp. A tank of around 160 liters with soft, tannin stained water and plenty of cover suits it well.

In the wild

It is known only from the Lukenie river in the middle Congo, in soft, tannin stained blackwater among wood and leaf litter. Recreate that with a sand floor, bogwood, dried leaves, caves, and dim lighting, with gentle flow. 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 dwarf squeaker of the family Mochokidae, it reaches only about 10 centimeters. The off white body is broken by bold dark blotches on the flanks and fins, and the eyes are large for the head. It is named for the ichthyologist Tyson Roberts, who helped collect the first specimens, and it can be long lived, reaching 10 to 15 years. Aquarium breeding is unrecorded.

Did you know

One of the smallest and most sought after squeakers, it is known in the wild from just a single river, the Lukenie in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is part of why it stays rare and prized in the hobby.

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 do Robertsi squeaker need?

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

How big do Robertsi squeaker get?

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

Where to buy

Some links may not be the exact species or variety.

…or ask your local fish store.

Appears in

Freshwater fish · Bottom dwellers

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