Fin's Fish Guide
The Congo squeaker (Synodontis congicus) is a freshwater fish of the family Mochokidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Fresh water of Central Africa, in the Congo basin, in rivers and creeks with soft bottoms.
Description
The Congo squeaker is an African catfish of the family Mochokidae reaching about 20 cm. The brown body bears a handsome net pattern of dark spots, 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. The species comes from the Congo basin in Central Africa and lives on soft bottoms of rivers and creeks. As an omnivore it eats insect larvae, molluscs, crustaceans, growth and detritus. With its pectoral spines it can squeak audibly, which gives the group its English name 'squeaker'. Because of its handsome markings it is popular in the aquarium hobby and locally a food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Congo squeaker?
The Congo squeaker has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. African catfish with three pairs of barbels, an adipose fin, a net pattern of blotches and stout spines; can make squeaking sounds.
Where does the Congo squeaker live?
The Congo 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 and creeks with soft bottoms.
How big does the Congo squeaker get?
The Congo squeaker grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Congo squeaker dangerous to humans?
The Congo 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 Congo squeaker edible?
Yes, the Congo squeaker is commonly eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Congo squeaker?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Congo squeaker is one of 12,519 species in the app.
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 Congo squeaker?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Congo squeaker is one of 12,519 species in the app.