One spot squeaker - Synodontis notatus

Scientific name: Synodontis notatus

Common name: One spot squeaker

Family: Mochokidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 20 - 25 cm (7.87 - 9.84 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 6 - 7.5

Recommended water hardness: 4 - 12°N (71.43 - 214.29ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 22 - 26 °C (71.6 - 78.8°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Africa

Temperament to its own species: aggressive/territorial

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

General Information

Synodontis notatus, the One Spot Squeaker, is a robust upside-down catfish from the Congo Basin. It is named for the single dark ocellus (spot) on the body, though the exact position/size can vary. Juveniles are often sold small but this species commonly reaches 20–25 cm (8–10″) in aquaria, with a correspondingly strong bio-load.

Food & Feeding

Omnivorous benthic forager. Use sinking catfish wafers/pellets as a staple and rotate meaty items (frozen bloodworms, krill, mysis, chopped shrimp) with some plant/algae content (spirulina wafers, blanched zucchini). Feed after lights-out or at dusk to match its crepuscular/nocturnal habits. Remove leftovers to protect water quality.

Sexing

No reliable colour dimorphism. Mature females are typically fuller-bodied; accurate sexing in Synodontis usually relies on examination of the genital papilla by experienced keepers. „Red dorsal“ as a male cue is not a consistent indicator.

Breeding

Hobbyist breeding is rare to unreported for this species. In nature they are egg scatterers; commercial propagation of some Synodontis uses hormonal induction and large outdoor ponds. Treat S. notatus as display-only unless you have specialist facilities.

Lifespan

Typically 8–12 years with clean, well-oxygenated water; longer is possible in large, stable systems.

Tank Requirements & Water Parameters

Tank size: long footprint from 120 cm / 4′ (≈300 L/80 gal) for a single adult; larger if keeping multiples.
Water: pH 6.0–7.5; hardness ~4–12 °dH; temperature 22–26 °C (72–79 °F). Stability is more important than the absolute number.
Filtration & oxygen: robust mechanical/biological filtration and high aeration; keep nitrogenous waste low.
Aquascape: sand or smooth fine gravel, plenty of caves (rock piles, pipes), and driftwood; dim/subdued lighting is appreciated.
Maintenance: weekly water changes; avoid abrupt parameter swings.
Handling: use containers rather than nets when possible—pectoral and dorsal spines can snag and puncture.

Compatibility & Tank Mates

With other species: generally peaceful toward robust, similarly sized tank mates (larger tetras/barbs, Congo tetras, rainbowfish, peaceful cichlids, other medium/large catfish). Avoid tiny fish and delicate long-finned species—nighttime predation/nipping can occur.

With conspecifics: can be territorial, especially as juveniles/subadults; expect mouth-wrestling and chasing. Keeping a single specimen or a well-spaced group in a very large tank with abundant hides reduces conflict.

Behaviour & Usual Place in the Tank

Nocturnal/crepuscular bottom-dweller that also cruises the lower mid-water when settled. Often rests inverted under wood/rock overhangs; more active after dark.

Short Description

One Spot Squeaker is a hardy Congo Synodontis with a distinctive single flank spot. Provide a roomy, well-filtered tank with caves, stable soft-to-moderately hard water and a varied sinking diet. Peaceful with most larger community fish, but expect territorial spats with conspecifics and avoid very small tank mates.

Q&A

Does it eat plants? Typically not, but it may uproot soft plants while foraging; anchor plants well or use tougher species/anubias on wood.
Why is mine shy by day? Normal—this species is crepuscular/nocturnal. Add caves and feed at dusk.
Can I keep a group? Yes, but only in a large tank with many hides; expect some sparring as hierarchies form.