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Onespot squeaker (Synodontis notatus) — Mochokidae

Onespot squeaker

Synodontis notatus
Family: Mochokidae
LC · Least Concern

The Onespot squeaker (Synodontis notatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Mochokidae that grows up to 27 cm.

Length
26.5 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
Rarely eaten

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Description

Synodontis notatus is an upside-down catfish of the family Mochokidae found in fresh waters of the Congo basin in Central Africa. It grows to about 15-25 cm and has a fairly plain silvery-grey body usually marked with a single dark spot on the flank, which gives it its name. Distinctive features are the three pairs of barbels and the stout dorsal and pectoral fin spines. Like many Synodontis species it often swims upside down. A nocturnal omnivore, it feeds on insect larvae, molluscs, crustaceans and plant material. The species is popular in the aquarium hobby.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Onespot squeaker?

The Onespot squeaker has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Squeaker catfish from the Congo basin with usually a single dark blotch on the flank, three pairs of barbels and a stout dorsal and pectoral fin spine; often swims upside down.

Where does the Onespot squeaker live?

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

How big does the Onespot squeaker get?

The Onespot squeaker grows to a maximum of about 27 cm.

Is the Onespot squeaker dangerous to humans?

No, the Onespot 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 Onespot squeaker edible?

The Onespot squeaker is rarely eaten.

More photos

Onespot squeaker (Synodontis notatus) — Mochokidae — 2
SAIAB (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — SAIAB
Onespot squeaker (Synodontis notatus) — Mochokidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Fish and Benthos survey Chinko, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Onespot squeaker (Synodontis notatus) — Mochokidae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — Frank M. Greco (CC BY 3.0)
Onespot squeaker (Synodontis notatus) — Mochokidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Fish and Benthos survey Chinko, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Onespot squeaker verified
Scientific name
Synodontis notatus
Family
Mochokidae
Other names
Onespot squeaker verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
26.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Forked verified
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced
Lips
Thick / fleshy sourced
Barbels
Yes verified
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes verified

Habitat & distribution

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

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore verified
Diet (detail)
Insect larvae, molluscs, crustaceans and plant material sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups sourced
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes verified
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Spawns in the rainy season when water levels rise. inferred
Special features
Squeaker catfish from the Congo basin with usually a single dark blotch on the flank, three pairs of barbels and a stout dorsal and pectoral fin spine; often swims upside down. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten inferred
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

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