Home · Mochokidae · Waterlot's squeaker
Waterlot's squeaker (Synodontis waterloti) — Mochokidae

Waterlot's squeaker

Synodontis waterloti
Family: Mochokidae
LC · Least Concern

The Waterlot's squeaker (Synodontis waterloti) is a freshwater fish of the family Mochokidae that grows up to 14 cm.

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

Description

Waterlot's squeaker is an African catfish of the squeaker family (Mochokidae) from West Africa. The species grows to about 14 cm and has a stocky body with barbels, an adipose fin, stout fin spines and a spotted 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. Those sharp pectoral and dorsal spines can give painful puncture wounds, so handle the fish with care. The species is a local food fish and popular in the aquarium.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Waterlot's squeaker?

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

Where does the Waterlot's squeaker live?

The Waterlot's squeaker lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Waterlot's squeaker get?

The Waterlot's squeaker grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.

Is the Waterlot's squeaker dangerous to humans?

No, the Waterlot's squeaker is harmless to humans.

Is the Waterlot's squeaker edible?

The Waterlot's 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
Waterlots schraapmeerval sourced
English name
Waterlot's squeaker sourced
Scientific name
Synodontis waterloti
Family
Mochokidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
14.1 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
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. 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 →