Zambezi Synodontis Care Guide
Synodontis zambezensis is a southern African squeaker from the Zambezi that shelters upside-down and tolerates a wide temperature range.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Synodontis zambezensis, the plain squeaker, is an upside-down catfish of the middle and lower Zambezi system, recorded across Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Eswatini. Standard length reaches about 43 cm and maximum published weight about 820 g. The species name is derived from the Zambezi River.
Taxonomy
- Family: Mochokidae
- Genus: Synodontis
- Scientific name: Synodontis zambezensis
- Describer: Peters, 1852
Habitat
The species occupies pools and slow-flowing reaches of perennial and seasonal rivers, where it frequently shelters upside-down in holes, crevices or under logs. FishBase classifies it as freshwater and benthopelagic across a wide tropical latitude range.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 400 L
- Temperature: 22–28 °C
- pH: 7–8
- GH: 8–20 °dGH
- Adult size: 25–30 cm
- Lifespan: 8–15 years
Diet
Synodontis zambezensis is an omnivorous nocturnal feeder, with a trophic level near 2.7. It consumes detritus and plant matter such as seeds, together with small invertebrates including insects and snails. A varied prepared and frozen diet suits the aquarium, offered once daily.
Compatibility
A peaceful, nocturnal, bottom-dwelling catfish that tolerates harder water than many congeners. It is kept with robust tankmates and given caves and dim lighting. Small tetras are unsuitable companions.
Breeding
The species is oviparous with distinct pairing during breeding, spawning during summer rainy periods. Aquarium breeding is rarely reported.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed 2 October 2017.
Synodontis zambezensis Breeding Guide
Overview
Synodontis zambezensis is native to the middle and lower Zambezi River system across Eswatini, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe, and is possibly extinct in Eswatini. It reaches a maximum standard length of about 43 cm and a recorded weight of about 820 g. It lives in pools and slow-flowing river reaches, sheltering frequently upside-down in holes, crevices or under logs, and feeds on detritus and plant matter such as seeds along with small invertebrates like insects and snails. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
No spawning observations specific to Synodontis zambezensis are available. For the genus, spawning is reported during the flooding season between roughly July and October, with pairs swimming in unison.
Egg & Fry Care
No documented account of egg or fry development exists for this species. Reproductive knowledge across the genus is largely limited to egg counts from gravid females, so no rearing procedure can be described.
Common Challenges
The absence of an established spawning trigger and rearing method, together with the large adult size, are the principal barriers to captive reproduction of this species.