Home · Mochokidae · Chocolatestriped squeaker
Chocolatestriped squeaker (Synodontis flavitaeniatus) — Mochokidae

Chocolatestriped squeaker

Synodontis flavitaeniatus
Family: Mochokidae
LC · Least Concern

The Chocolatestriped squeaker (Synodontis flavitaeniatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Mochokidae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
19.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Freshwater of the Congo basin in Central Africa.
Edibility
Not eaten

Want the complete picture on the Chocolatestriped squeaker?

Get the app

Description

The orangestriped squeaker is an African catfish of the squeaker family (Mochokidae) from the Congo basin. The species grows to about 19 cm and has an elongate body with a handsome pattern of orange to yellow lengthwise bands on a dark ground. With its downward-pointing mouth and three pairs of barbels it searches the bottom for algae, invertebrates and detritus. Like many squeakers it can swim upside down to forage at the water surface and produce a creaking sound when disturbed. The species is popular in the aquarium hobby and harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Chocolatestriped squeaker?

The Chocolatestriped squeaker has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Orange longitudinal bands; can swim upside down and make creaking sounds.

Where does the Chocolatestriped squeaker live?

The Chocolatestriped squeaker lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Freshwater of the Congo basin in Central Africa.

How big does the Chocolatestriped squeaker get?

The Chocolatestriped squeaker grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Chocolatestriped squeaker dangerous to humans?

No, the Chocolatestriped squeaker is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Chocolatestriped squeaker edible?

The Chocolatestriped squeaker is not usually eaten.

More photos

Chocolatestriped squeaker (Synodontis flavitaeniatus) — Mochokidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — iNaturalist.org (John P. Friel Ph.D.) (John P. Friel Ph.D.) (CC BY 4.0)
Chocolatestriped squeaker (Synodontis flavitaeniatus) — Mochokidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) david e leo berton, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Chocolatestriped squeaker (Synodontis flavitaeniatus) — Mochokidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Gina Walsh, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Chocolatestriped squeaker (Synodontis flavitaeniatus) — Mochokidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Gina Walsh, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

Want the complete picture on the Chocolatestriped squeaker?

Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Chocolatestriped squeaker is one of 12,519 species in the app.

Get the app →

All data

Identification

English name
Chocolatestriped squeaker verified
Scientific name
Synodontis flavitaeniatus
Family
Mochokidae
Other names
Orangestriped squeaker; Yellowstriped squeaker verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
19.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Horizontal stripes inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Freshwater of the Congo basin in Central Africa. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Algae, invertebrates and detritus sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Spawns in the rainy season as the water rises. inferred
Special features
Orange longitudinal bands; can swim upside down and make creaking sounds. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Synodontis

More from the family Mochokidae

Fin

Want the complete picture on the Chocolatestriped squeaker?

Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Chocolatestriped squeaker is one of 12,519 species in the app.

Get the app →
Is this the Chocolatestriped squeaker? Get the app