Fin's Fish Guide
The Greshoff's squeaker (Synodontis greshoffi) is a freshwater fish of the family Mochokidae that grows up to 27 cm.
Fresh water of Central Africa, in the Congo basin, in slow-moving water of rivers and creeks with soft bottoms.
Description
Greshoff's squeaker is a brown, mottled catfish of the family Mochokidae (squeakers) reaching about 27 cm. The sturdy body has three pairs of barbels around the inferior mouth, a large adipose fin and stout, lockable spines in the pectoral and dorsal fins. Like other squeakers it can make a squeaking or grating sound with its pectoral spines. The species comes from the Congo basin in Central Africa and lives on soft bottoms of slow water of rivers and creeks. Mainly at night it probes the bottom with its barbels for insect larvae, molluscs, crustaceans, algae and detritus. For its size and behaviour it is popular in the aquarium hobby; when handling, the sharp fin spines call for care.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Greshoff's squeaker?
The Greshoff's squeaker has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Brown-blotched wagtail catfish with three pairs of barbels, a large adipose fin and sturdy, lockable pectoral and dorsal fin spines; makes squeaking sounds.
Where does the Greshoff's squeaker live?
The Greshoff's squeaker lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of Central Africa, in the Congo basin, in slow-moving water of rivers and creeks with soft bottoms.
How big does the Greshoff's squeaker get?
The Greshoff's squeaker grows to a maximum of about 27 cm.
Is the Greshoff's squeaker dangerous to humans?
The Greshoff's 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 Greshoff's squeaker edible?
Yes, the Greshoff's squeaker is commonly eaten.
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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 Greshoff's squeaker?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Greshoff's squeaker is one of 12,519 species in the app.