With 133 species, the squeaker catfish (Synodontis) inhabit practically the entire African continent. The smallest species grow to 6-7 cm in length, the largest to 60-70 cm. They play a very minor role in aquariums. Only the Upside-Down catfish (Synodontis nigriventris) and a few species from Lake Tanganyika are true aquarium fish with a larger following. Of the large number of other species, only S. eupterus is frequently found in the trade because it is relatively easy and productive to breed; the rest are considered to be a case for catfish specialists.
Synodontis angelicus comes from the Congo, a medium-sized species usually 15-25 cm long, but the largest specimen ever measured is said to have been an impressive 55 cm! Before the large number of black plecos with white spots from South America became known, S. angelicus (the species name translates as “angel-like”) was considered the most beautiful catfish species and was even given the German common name “Perlhuhnwels” (guinea fowl catfish). The common English name is „Angel squeaker“. This honor has hardly been bestowed on any other Synodontis species.
Even today, S. angelicus is still a beautiful fish, but its dark side is also well known. It can be very quarrelsome, especially when only one or a few specimens are kept together, and will chase all the other fish. There are significant individual differences, but it is important to be aware of this, because where can you put the fish if it turns out to be a tyrant? Similar to cichlids, the best way to counteract this unpleasant trait is to keep several (10+) specimens in aquariums that are as large as possible with plenty of hiding places.
S. angelicus is undemanding in terms of food and water chemistry and can be classified as easy to care for. The water temperature should be between 24-28°C.
For our customers: depending on their size, the animals have codes 172000 (3-4 cm) to 172006 (12-15 cm) on our stock list. Please note that we only supply wholesale customers.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
