Polka dot squeaker, angel squeaker (Synodontis angelicus) care guide

Group
Freshwater fish
Other names
Polka dot syno, Polkadot squeaker, Angel squeaker, Angel cat, Synodontis angelica, Synodontis werneri, Synodontis tholloni
Family
Mochokidae (squeakers and upside-down catfishes)
Origin
Congo River basin, Africa, apart from the Zambian Congo and the central forest; includes Pool Malebo and the Kasai and Ubangi drainages.
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
55 cm
Temperature
23–27°C
pH
6–8
Hardness
5–19 dGH (FishBase)
Minimum tank
400 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
peaceful

Care

A striking squeaker with a dark grey to black body covered in white or yellow spots; the colours shift with mood and health. Like other Synodontis it has a hard head shield, stout serrated dorsal and pectoral spines and a forked tail, and it makes an audible squeak when disturbed. Handle with care, as the spines catch in nets and can jab hands. PlanetCatfish gives a maximum of 55 cm standard length (FishBase quotes 55 cm total length), although aquarium fish usually stay much smaller. Plan for a big fish: around 400 litres for an adult is our estimate, more for very large specimens. Each fish needs its own cave; PlanetCatfish notes it prefers arching structures, rocks and broad-leaved plants over bogwood. PlanetCatfish gives 23–27 °C and pH 6.0–8.0; FishBase adds 5–19 dGH. It is hardy and adapts to most conditions as long as the water is clean and well filtered. Sexing is by the genital papilla: in males it is ridged, with the opening on the upper side; gravid females have an extended papilla opening on the underside, and thin females show two pink pores. PlanetCatfish and FishBase both use Synodontis angelicus. Its German name, "guineafowl catfish", refers to the spotted pattern. FishBase lists it as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List (2009). Selling: our policies require the adult size and long-term tank needs to be stated clearly in the listing. Large fish must travel by a specialist live-animal courier (see the Livestock shipping guide). Sources: PlanetCatfish (planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?speciesid=278); FishBase (fishbase.se/summary/Synodontis-angelicus.html). Checked October 2026.

Diet

An omnivore that takes sinking pellets and tablets, frozen foods such as bloodworm and brine shrimp, vegetables like cucumber, and spirulina-based discs. Feed a varied diet, mostly around dusk when it is most active.

Breeding

Not reported in aquariums; PlanetCatfish holds no breeding reports. It is presumed to scatter its eggs, and FishBase notes that it forms distinct pairs when breeding.

Compatibility and tank mates

Peaceful but not delicate – it can stand up for itself – so it suits a community of larger, confident fish such as robust characins, barbs, peaceful cichlids and other catfish. Very small fish may be eaten by large adults. Several can be kept together if each has its own cave.

Last updated 5 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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