Fin's Fish Guide
The Bigeye squeaker (Synodontis pleurops) is a freshwater fish of the family Mochokidae that grows up to 33 cm.
Fresh water of Central Africa, in the Congo basin, in rivers, creeks and lakes with soft bottoms.
Description
The bigeye squeaker is an African catfish of the family Mochokidae reaching about 32 cm. The brown, dark-spotted body has notably large eyes, three pairs of barbels around the inferior mouth, an adipose fin and stout, serrated spines in the pectoral and dorsal fins that can cause painful puncture wounds. Like many synodontis catfish it can swim upside down to forage at the water surface or the undersides of leaves. The species comes from the Congo basin in Central Africa and lives on soft bottoms of rivers, creeks and lakes. As an omnivore it eats insect larvae, molluscs, crustaceans, growth and detritus. It can make squeaking sounds with its pectoral spines and is popular in the aquarium hobby.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bigeye squeaker?
The Bigeye squeaker has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. African catfish with large eyes, three pairs of barbels, an adipose fin and stout spines; often swims upside down.
Where does the Bigeye squeaker live?
The Bigeye squeaker lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of Central Africa, in the Congo basin, in rivers, creeks and lakes with soft bottoms.
How big does the Bigeye squeaker get?
The Bigeye squeaker grows to a maximum of about 33 cm.
Is the Bigeye squeaker dangerous to humans?
The Bigeye squeaker can cause injury; handle it with care. The pectoral and dorsal fins bear stout, serrated spines that can cause painful puncture or cut wounds; handle a caught animal carefully and clean any wound.
Is the Bigeye squeaker edible?
Yes, the Bigeye squeaker is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Synodontis
More from the family Mochokidae
Want the complete picture on the Bigeye squeaker?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bigeye squeaker is one of 12,519 species in the app.