Lake Malawi Synodontis Care Guide
Synodontis njassae is the only Synodontis endemic to Lake Malawi, a nocturnal catfish well matched to mbuna and other rift-lake cichlids.
Overview
Synodontis njassae, the Malawi squeaker, is an upside-down catfish endemic to Lake Malawi and the only Synodontis species native to that lake. Total length reaches about 19.2 cm. It appears in the aquarium trade and forms a minor component of local commercial fisheries.
Taxonomy
- Family: Mochokidae
- Genus: Synodontis
- Scientific name: Synodontis njassae
- Describer: Keilhack, 1908
Habitat
The species lives in Lake Malawi, where it is found among rocks during the day and moves around the area at night. FishBase reports a pH of 7.5–8.2, hardness of 20–30 dH and a temperature of 20–23 °C for the lake habitat, which is hard and alkaline.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L
- Temperature: 24–28 °C
- pH: 7.5–8.5
- GH: 10–20 °dGH
- Adult size: 12–15 cm
- Lifespan: 8–15 years
Diet
Synodontis njassae is omnivorous, with a trophic level near 3.1. It feeds on insects, crustaceans and other invertebrates in the lake. In the aquarium it accepts a varied diet of prepared and frozen foods, offered once daily.
Compatibility
A peaceful, nocturnal, bottom-dwelling catfish that pairs well with Malawi mbuna and other rift-lake cichlids. It is not a schooling species. Caves and rockwork provide daytime shelter; small tetras are unsuitable companions.
Breeding
The species is oviparous with distinct pairing during breeding. Aquarium breeding is rarely reported.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed 20 June 2018.