Bugeye squeaker (Synodontis contracta)

Scientific name: Synodontis contracta Vinciguerra, 1928

The Bugeye squeaker (Synodontis contracta) is a freshwater fish of the family Mochokidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 22–25°C (72–77°F). Native range: Africa, middle Congo River basin, including Pool Malebo (= Stanley Pool) and the Kasai drainage.

Bugeye squeaker care at a glance

Temperature
22–25°C (72–77°F)

Biology

Forms large schools in pools, rivers and smaller streams with muddy bottoms or among vegetation near the shore. Prefers to swim upside-down and will feed in this position as it skims along just under the surface sucking in floating food. The mouth is ventrally located and the teeth are 'fused' together into a rasping patch or plate that is used to scrape algae and slime as well as other types of organisms off the surfaces of the plants, stones, driftwood, etc. Oviparous.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Synodontis contracta
Family
Mochokidae (Squeakers or upside-down catfishes)
Order
Siluriformes (Catfish)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
9.7
Environment
Freshwater;; pH range: 6.2 - 7.2; dH range: 4 - 15 benthopelagic
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
Africa: middle Congo River basin, including Pool Malebo (= Stanley Pool) and the Kasai drainage.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Sources

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

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