One-spot synodontis

Care at a glance

Overview

The one-spot is an attractive, mostly peaceful squeaker that grows to a fair size, so it suits a larger community with robust tankmates rather than a nano tank. It does well in a small group and forages actively once settled. Feed sinking pellets, frozen foods, and vegetable matter. Give it sand, wood, and caves in a tank of at least 200 liters.

In the wild

The one-spot synodontis lives in the Congo basin, foraging over sand and among submerged wood in warm, moderately flowing water. It is active mainly at night and hides in cover during the day. Provide a soft sandy floor to protect its barbels, driftwood and rock caves, and open swimming space, at 22 to 27 degrees C.

Good to know

This squeaker reaches about 25 cm and is easily known by the single round black spot on each silvery flank, though some individuals carry two, three, or more. It has the family's bony head shield, sharp locking spines, and long barbels. There is no home breeding record for it.

Did you know

The name says one spot, but the number of flank spots varies a lot between individuals, so a tank of them can show anything from a single dot to a scatter of them.

Related species

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  Decorated squeaker

  Synodontis decorus

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  Giant upside-down catfish

  Synodontis batensoda

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• 

  Polka dot syno

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• 

  Bigeye squeaker

  Synodontis alberti

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• 

  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)