Home · Mochokidae · Solon squeaker
Solon squeaker (Synodontis soloni) — Mochokidae

Solon squeaker

Synodontis soloni
Family: Mochokidae
LC · Least Concern

The Solon squeaker (Synodontis soloni) is a freshwater fish of the family Mochokidae that grows up to 16 cm.

Length
15.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Rarely eaten

Description

Solon's squeaker is an African catfish of the squeaker family (Mochokidae) from the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species grows to about 16 cm and has a streamlined body with barbels, an adipose fin, stout fin spines and a handsomely spotted or mottled pattern. It inhabits rivers and roots through the bottom for molluscs, insect larvae, small invertebrates and growth. Squeakers make a creaking sound with the pectoral spines and some can swim upside down. Those sharp pectoral and dorsal spines can give painful puncture wounds, so handle the fish with care. The species is popular in the aquarium.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Solon squeaker?

The Solon squeaker has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Solon squeaker live?

The Solon squeaker lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Solon squeaker get?

The Solon squeaker grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.

Is the Solon squeaker dangerous to humans?

No, the Solon squeaker is harmless to humans.

Is the Solon squeaker edible?

The Solon squeaker is rarely eaten.

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →

All data

Identification

Dutch name
Solons schraapmeerval sourced
English name
Solon squeaker sourced
Scientific name
Synodontis soloni
Family
Mochokidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
15.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Synodontis

More from the family Mochokidae

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →