Clown Squeaker

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Congo River hydrographic basin (Central Africa). Inhabits the pools and courses of large rivers. In dry seasons the river level drops, exposing the fish to thermal shifts and biochemical variations, making it very robust.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Clown Squeaker (Synodontis decorus). Spectacular armored African catfish (Mochokidae). Extraordinary is its first dorsal fin ray, which develops into a very long and elegant filament, unique among congeners.

Social Behavior: Very peaceful and shy (especially when young), it spends most of the daylight in hibernation under a hollow log, emerging boldly in the evening. Rarely quarrelsome if provided with plenty of hiding places.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Majestic body, base from creamy white to dark powder pink, dotted everywhere with very large irregular black "polka dots" that extend onto the broad fins. Males show a pointed genital papilla, females are more robust.

Aquarium Setup: Will become imposing: tanks over 150 cm (60 inches). Needs pipes or darkened caves that contain it entirely. Mandatory soft sand so as not to erode the fragile fimbriated barbels used for hunting.

Diet and Feeding: Bulimic omnivore. Absorbs everything: from pellets for carnivorous Cichlids, sinking tablets, large pieces of shrimp, soft zucchini to frozen peas. Greediness can lead to obesity if one or two days of fasting are not guaranteed.

Water Quality: Rather tolerant of values, but very intolerant of nitrogenous pollution accumulated in the tank. Requires excellent biological filtration and regular cleaning siphonings on the bottom (especially under logs).

Compatibility and Tankmates: Does not feed on other fish intentionally, but swallows whatever fits in its mouth at night (Neons forbidden!). Magnificent with large African Cichlids, Datnioides, Polypterus or large Characins.

Aquarium Reproduction: Very rare or almost non-existent in private hobbyist aquariums. In Eastern European and Russian commercial facilities, forced hormonization (pituitary extracts) is the only way to obtain marketable eggs from them.

Risks and Diseases: Armed and toxic fins (in particular the hard pectoral ray); pay extreme attention during capture not to get stuck in the net, or worse, not to suffer a painful lethal sting on the hand.