Clown Squeaker

Synodontis decorus

Clown Squeaker is a peaceful bottom-dwelling fish.

PeacefulBottom dwellerIntermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Need help with Clown Squeaker?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 11.8" (≤ 30 cm)
Aquarium size: 92 US gal (350 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom dweller
Temperature: 72–81°F (22–27°C)
pH: 6–8
GH: 3–25 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 20 years

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 20 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 92 US gal (350 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 22–27 °C, pH 6–8, GH 3–25 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Clown Squeaker is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the bottom area, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Clown Squeaker should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Feed varied sinking catfish foods, frozen invertebrates and vegetable matter; avoid relying on leftovers.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 92 US gal (350 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Asian Upside Down Catfish Mystus leucophasis Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 11.8" (≤ 30 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) Blue Eyed Plecostomus Panaque cochliodon Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 11.8" (≤ 30 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Adolfos Catfish Hoplisoma adolfoi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) African Butterfly Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) African Glass Catfish Pareutropius debauwi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) Agassizs Corydoras Brochis agassizii Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C)

FAQ

How large does Clown Squeaker get?

Clown Squeaker reaches ≤ 11.8" (≤ 30 cm). Allow for adult swimming space, filtration, and compatible companions.

What aquarium size does Clown Squeaker need?

Use an aquarium of at least 92 US gal (350 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.

Is Clown Squeaker peaceful?

Yes. Clown Squeaker is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Clown Squeaker?

Keep it between 22 to 27 °C.