Bigeye squeaker

Care at a glance

Overview

The bigeye squeaker is an appealing, mostly peaceful catfish that suits a medium to large community of robust tankmates and does well in a small group of its own kind. It can be a little territorial with other bottom catfish as it matures. Feed sinking pellets, frozen foods, and vegetable matter over a sandy bottom. Give it wood, caves, and a tank of at least 150 liters.

In the wild

Albert's synodontis comes from the tributaries and side streams of the Congo basin rather than the main river, foraging over the bottom in warm, gently flowing water. It shelters among wood and roots by day and forages at night. Set it up with soft sand, driftwood, and shaded caves, with moderate flow at 22 to 26 degrees C and a near-neutral pH.

Good to know

Synodontis alberti grows to about 20 cm and is famous for having the longest barbels of any Synodontis, long trailing whiskers that sweep well ahead of the head. It also has notably large eyes and a tall dorsal fin. Breeding is not documented in home aquariums.

Did you know

No other squeaker comes close to its whiskers, which can trail well past the length of the body and constantly sweep the substrate ahead of the fish.

Related species

• 

  Featherfin squeaker

  Synodontis eupterus

  7.9 in (20 cm)45 gal (170 L)72–81°F (22–27°C)

• 

  Ocellated squeaker

  Synodontis ocellifer

  7.9 in (20 cm)53 gal (200 L)73–81°F (23–27°C)
• Common syno

  Synodontis nigrita

  7.9 in (20 cm)55 gal (210 L)70–82°F (21–28°C)

• 

  Lake Malawi syno

  Synodontis njassae

  7.5 in (19 cm)40 gal (150 L)73–82°F (23–28°C)

• 

  Brichard's synodontis

  Synodontis brichardi

  6.3 in (16 cm)50 gal (190 L)72–79°F (22–26°C)

• 

  One-spot synodontis

  Synodontis notatus

  9.8 in (25 cm)53 gal (200 L)72–81°F (22–27°C)