TankBud

Spiny squeaker

Synodontis acanthomias

Also known as Acanthomias squeaker

FreshwaterFish

Spiny squeaker (Synodontis acanthomias)

Care at a glance

Temperature
73–81°F
23–27°C
pH
6.2–7.8
Adult size
19.7 in
50 cm
Minimum tank
159 gal
600 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 spiny squeaker is a big, solitary catfish for a very large tank. It needs a keeper with some experience and a lot of room.

Did you know

The spiny squeaker's name, acanthomias, comes from the Greek for thorn. In a fish this big, its spines are a serious deterrent to predators.

Caring for the spiny squeaker

Give a spiny squeaker a spacious tank of at least 159 gal (600 L), with a large footprint. Lay a soft sand bed and add heavy bogwood and sturdy decor it cannot easily topple. It is nocturnal, sheltering among the wood by day and taking over the floor at night.

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, with strong filtration and good oxygen. Feed substantial sinking foods, large pellets and meaty frozen or prepared items.

Keep it singly, since it is solitary. It is mostly peaceful, but its size calls for caution, so house it with large, calm tank mates rather than small fish. Its spines are a real hazard when netting, so handle it with care. Breeding is not recorded in captivity.

Good to know

The spiny squeaker is one of the largest members of the catfish family Mochokidae, with records near 59 centimeters. Like all squeakers, it has stout, locking, serrated spines at the front of the dorsal and pectoral fins. It is also sold as the Acanthomias squeaker.

In the wild

The spiny squeaker lives in the deep channels and pools of the Congo river system, over sand and rock.

Common questions

What size tank does a spiny squeaker need?

A spiny squeaker needs at least 159 gal (600 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH does a spiny squeaker need?

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

What does a spiny squeaker eat?

A spiny squeaker eats substantial sinking foods, large pellets and meaty frozen or prepared items.

How big does a spiny squeaker get?

An adult spiny squeaker reaches about 19.7 in (50 cm).

Related species