TankBud

Scissortail squeaker

Synodontis soloni

Also known as Soloni squeaker

FreshwaterFish

Scissortail squeaker (Synodontis soloni)

Care at a glance

Temperature
73–81°F
23–27°C
pH
6.2–7.8
Adult size
6.1 in
15.5 cm
Minimum tank
66 gal
250 L
Temperament
Mostly peaceful
Social behavior
Solitary
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Bottom
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Rare
Family
Mochokidae
Origin
Congo basin

Overview

The scissortail squeaker is an active, solitary fish for the bottom of a roomy tank with some current. It suits a keeper with some experience.

Did you know

The scissortail squeaker has a deeply forked, scissor like tail, which is unusual in its genus. Most of its relatives have rounded or shallowly notched tails. The fork hints at a stronger swimmer than the typical bottom hugging squeaker.

Caring for the scissortail squeaker

Give a scissortail squeaker a tank of at least 66 gal (250 L), with moderate flow. It is trimmer and more active than many squeakers and enjoys some current. Add smooth stones, rock and bogwood for shelter, and run strong filtration.

Keep the water warm, 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. Feed sinking pellets, wafers and frozen invertebrates, dropped in during the evening.

Keep it singly, since it is a solitary fish that does not shoal and can be territorial with other bottom dwellers. It is mostly peaceful, but choose tank mates with caution. Calm fish of similar size or larger suit it better than tiny fish. Breeding is not recorded in aquaria.

Good to know

The scissortail squeaker belongs to the family Mochokidae and has brown spotted fins. George Albert Boulenger described it in 1899. It is also sold as the Soloni squeaker.

In the wild

The scissortail squeaker lives in flowing tributaries of the Congo, including the Ubangi and the rapids below Malebo Pool. It keeps to well oxygenated water over rock and sand.

Common questions

What size tank does a scissortail squeaker need?

A scissortail squeaker needs at least 66 gal (250 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH does a scissortail squeaker need?

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

What does a scissortail squeaker eat?

A scissortail squeaker eats sinking pellets, wafers and frozen invertebrates. Drop the food in during the evening.

How big does a scissortail squeaker get?

An adult scissortail squeaker reaches about 6.1 in (15.5 cm).

Related species