Clown squeaker (Synodontis decorus) care guide

Group
Freshwater fish
Other names
Clown syno
Family
Mochokidae (squeakers and upside-down catfishes)
Origin
Africa: the Congo basin, apart from the Luapula river system.
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
31.8 cm
Temperature
22–28°C
pH
6–8
Hardness
3–18 dGH (estimated)
Minimum tank
200 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
semi_aggressive

Care

A handsome squeaker with black spots on a tan body; juveniles have a very long filament trailing from the dorsal fin, and the barbels are fringed with branches. PlanetCatfish gives a maximum of nearly 32 cm and a minimum tank of 200 litres for an adult; a larger tank is better for a fish this size. Provide rockwork, driftwood and pipes of 10–12 cm diameter for hiding, with low lighting and cover such as floating plants. Water at 22–28 °C and pH 6–8 suits it. Sexing: males have a ridged genital papilla pointing towards the tail; females carrying eggs show an extended papilla, and slim females show two pink pores. It is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List (assessed 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=84). Checked October 2026.

Diet

An omnivore that eats crustaceans, algae and insect larvae in the wild. It takes flake and sinking tablets; add frozen krill, brine shrimp and bloodworm and live foods regularly.

Breeding

Not reported in the aquarium.

Compatibility and tank mates

Suits tanks of larger fish such as American cichlids, larger African characins and barbs. Avoid fin-nippers, which target the dorsal filament, and small fish that could be eaten.

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

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