Blackspotted squeaker (Synodontis nigromaculata)

Scientific name: Synodontis nigromaculata Boulenger, 1905

The Blackspotted squeaker (Synodontis nigromaculata) is a freshwater fish of the family Mochokidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 22–26°C (72–79°F). Native range: Africa, Luapula System, Moero, Bangwelo, Lake Tanganyika, upper Kasai, upper Zambezi, Okovango, Cunene and Limpopo. Also present in the Zambian Congo.

Blackspotted squeaker care at a glance

Temperature
22–26°C (72–79°F)

Biology

Prefers rocks or marginal vegetation of flowing riverine channels to lagoons or backwaters. Feeds on a variety of food including detritus, algae and plant material, insects, snails and small fish, and scavenges readily. Oviparous. Breeds during the summer rainy season.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Synodontis nigromaculata
Family
Mochokidae (Squeakers or upside-down catfishes)
Order
Siluriformes (Catfish)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
38.5
Environment
Freshwater;; pH range: 6.0 - 7.5; dH range: ? - 20 benthopelagic
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
Africa: Luapula System, Moero, Bangwelo, Lake Tanganyika, upper Kasai, upper Zambezi, Okovango, Cunene and Limpopo. Also present in the Zambian Congo.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: subsistence fisheries; gamefish: yes; aquarium: commercial
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (K=0.8)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Last updated