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Malawi Synodontis

Synodontis njassae

Freshwater Lake Malawi, Africa Usually captive bred

The only catfish endemic to Lake Malawi, clad in an attractive speckled leopard livery on a silvery-grey base. Highly durable and peacefully inclined, it serves as the quintessential scavenger for African cichlid communities. Requires hard water, dim hiding spots among rocks, and sinking tablets fed after dusk.

Also called: Malawi squeaker, Malawi catfish, Malawi spotted catfish, Squeaker.

18 cm adult length, drawn to scale. torpedo body.

Try it in the planner Opens a tank sized to its minimum with 1 fish added.

What it needs

ItemValueBecause
Adult length 18 cm Used for the Space check: the tank must be long enough for the fish to turn round.
Smallest tank 300 L, at least 120 cm long estimated The least water and floor length this species is kept in for good, as a single fish or smallest group.
Extra water per added fish 40 L estimated What each further fish adds once the minimum is met.
Waste load Class 3 of 5 estimated How much waste an adult makes against its size. Feeds the Load check.
Temperature 23 to 28 C Stock sharing a tank need overlapping ranges.
pH 7.5 to 8.8 Compared with tankmates in the Water check.
Hardness GH 10 to 22, KH 8 to 14 Degrees of general and carbonate hardness.
Flow Medium Low-flow fish are stressed in a strong current.
Light Dim Matched to the lighting class on the needs sheet.
Group size Single fish is fine Not a schooling species.
Temperament Peaceful Territorial: weak.
Swims in Near the bottom Fish that use different levels share a tank more easily.
Lifespan About 10 years A fish is a long commitment.
Experience Suits a first tank A guide to how forgiving the species is of mistakes.

Tags marked estimated are judged from the size and habits of the species rather than measured, so treat them as a sensible default.

Diet and tank layout

Malawi Synodontis is an omnivore that swims in the lowest part of the tank. It is safe with plants. Give it plenty of cover.

Tankmates

Works with

Depends

Avoid

Compare any two fish on the compatibility page, or print the equipment for a stock on the needs sheet. How this is worked out: the method.