Orangestriped squeaker, pyjama syno (Synodontis flavitaeniata) care guide

Group
Freshwater fish
Other names
Pyjama catfish, Chocolate striped squeaker, Yellow striped squeaker, Orange striped squeaker, Synodontis flavitaeniatus
Family
Mochokidae (squeakers and upside-down catfishes)
Origin
Middle Congo River basin, Africa: Pool Malebo and the Ubangi and Kasai drainages, plus parts of the upper Congo; possibly also the Chiloango River in Cabinda (Angola).
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
15.5 cm
Temperature
24–29°C
pH
6.5–8.2
Hardness
4–25 dGH (FishBase)
Minimum tank
150 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
peaceful

Care

One of the most attractive Synodontis, with a light brown body crossed by three dark brown horizontal stripes and sometimes an orange, pink or yellow tinge; the fins are mottled dark brown and the tail is deeply forked. It is calmer and more sociable than many of its relatives and is more settled in a group of four or more. Give each fish its own hiding place – rock caves, pipes or hollow bogwood – and add a few more than you have fish. PlanetCatfish gives a maximum of 15.5 cm standard length (FishBase quotes 19.5 cm total length) but notes it is rarely seen above about 8 cm in aquariums. No source gives a tank size; around 150 litres for a small group is our estimate. PlanetCatfish gives 24–29 °C and pH 6.5–8.2; FishBase adds a hardness range of about 4–25 dGH. PlanetCatfish warns that it is fussier about water quality than most Synodontis and that its fins erode in acidic water, so keep the pH neutral to slightly alkaline, filter well and change water regularly. Sexing is hard in small fish; adult females are larger and plumper, and become paler with age. Name notes: PlanetCatfish and FishBase use the spelling Synodontis flavitaeniatus; "flavitaeniata" is an older spelling still common in the trade. The name means "yellow stripes". FishBase lists it as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List (2009). Sources: PlanetCatfish (planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?speciesid=285); FishBase (fishbase.se/summary/Synodontis-flavitaeniatus.html). Checked October 2026.

Diet

An omnivore that takes flake, sinking pellets and small live and frozen foods such as bloodworm and brine shrimp. It is a poor competitor at feeding time, so make sure food reaches it – feeding just before or after lights-out helps when boisterous fish share the tank.

Breeding

PlanetCatfish has no reports of this species breeding in aquariums. FishBase notes that it lays eggs and forms distinct pairs when breeding, but no reliable home-aquarium method is known.

Compatibility and tank mates

Peaceful and not predatory, so it can live with medium-sized community fish, peaceful cichlids and other calm catfish. Because it is a weak competitor, avoid very boisterous or greedy bottom-feeders that will take all the food. Keep several together, each with its own cave.

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

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