Scissortail squeaker
Synodontis soloni
Also known as Soloni squeaker
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
- Tankmates with caution
- Swim level
- Bottom
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- No record
- Rarity
- Rare
- Origin
- Congo basin
- Family
- Mochokidae
Overview
Keep the scissortail squeaker singly, since it is a solitary fish that does not shoal and can be territorial with other bottom dwellers. It is trimmer and more active than many squeakers and enjoys some current along with wood and rock to shelter in. It is mostly peaceful but rated for caution, so choose calm, similarly sized or larger tankmates rather than tiny fish. Feed sinking pellets, wafers, and frozen invertebrates, dropped in during the evening. A tank of around 250 liters with moderate flow suits its active habits.
In the wild
It lives in flowing tributaries of the Congo, including the Ubangi and the rapids below Malebo Pool, in well oxygenated water over rock and sand. Set up moderate flow, smooth stones and bogwood for cover, and strong filtration. Keep the water warm, from 23 to 27 C, at a pH of 6.2 to 7.8, from soft and slightly acidic to neutral.
Good to know
A squeaker of the family Mochokidae, it reaches about 15.5 centimeters and has a deeply forked, scissor like tail with brown spotted fins. It was described by George Albert Boulenger in 1899. Breeding is not recorded in aquaria.
Did you know
Its deeply forked tail is unusual in a genus whose members mostly have rounded or shallowly notched tails, and it hints at a stronger, more current loving swimmer than the typical bottom hugging squeaker.
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 do Scissortail squeaker need?
Scissortail squeaker are comfortable at 73–81°F (23–27°C) with a pH of 6.2–7.8.
How big do Scissortail squeaker get?
An adult Scissortail squeaker reaches about 6.1 in (15.5 cm).
Where to buy
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