Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Polka-dot Synodontis

Synodontis angelicus Schilthuis, 1891

Also called Angel squeaker, Polkadot squeaker, Angel cat, Black clown catfish, Whitespotted squeaker

SpeciesShort profile

From Congo River basin in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Republic of the Congo, including Pool Malebo and the Kasai and Ubangi drainages.1 2

At a glance the quick version

Length25 to 55 cm2 1

Lifespanfrom 20 years3

Sizelarge

Striking polka-dot pattern

Long-lived, can pass 20 years

Hardy, unfussy eater

2 3

Looks how to spot one

Scaleless squeaker catfish

A deep-bodied catfish with a forked tail, stiff serrated spines on the dorsal and pectoral fins, and a dark body dotted with light spots. Young fish are especially bright, with round white spots on a red-violet base.2 3

Coloursgrey to black or dark violet basewhite or yellow spotssome with light barring2 3

Personality what they are like

Very nocturnal and seldom seen by day. Adults can become territorial toward other bottom-dwellers, especially other Synodontis.3 2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Rests in shelter by day and digs and forages over the bottom at night.2 3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Give caves and roots for daytime hiding; it may dig and nibble soft plants. Choose companions too big to be eaten.2 3

Home where they are happiest

Tropical water of 24 to 28 C, pH 6.0 to 8.0 and hardness about 3 to 20 dGH, in a tank with a base of at least 120 x 45 cm.1 3 2

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Omnivorous and easy to feed: frozen, live and dried foods, plus vegetables such as peas or cucumber that it rasps with its lower teeth.3 2

Company who they like around

Does well with tetras, cichlids, knifefish and gouramis; often best as the only Synodontis.3

The story where it all began

Louise Schilthuis described it in 1891 from Pool Malebo on the Congo River. Its striking spots made it a sought-after and once very costly aquarium catfish.2 3

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Its scientific name angelicus means 'heavenly', a nod to the vivid colours of the young fish.2
2
Spot colour and base colour vary a lot depending on where a fish comes from.3
3
Its lower jaw carries movable S-shaped teeth, while the upper jaw has cone-shaped ones.2
4
With good care it can live for more than 20 years.3

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 16 February 2009)1
Taxonomy: Described by Louise Schilthuis in 1891 from Pool Malebo2
Family: Mochokidae (squeakers or upside-down catfishes)1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Polka-dot Synodontis. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Feedingevery day
Water changeAbout 30 to 50% of the waterevery week
Water testevery week
Filter rinseevery 2 weeks

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Polka-dot Synodontis?

Furry Diary's starting plan is to feed once a day. Offer a varied diet of frozen, live and dried foods plus vegetables like peas or cucumber.3 2 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Polka-dot Synodontis eat, and what should it never eat?

This omnivore enjoys frozen, live and dried foods as well as vegetables such as peas or cucumber that it rasps with its lower teeth. Avoid any food that could harm its delicate barbels or digestive system; always check with a vet for specific concerns.3 2

How much space does a Polka-dot Synodontis need?

It needs a tank with a base of at least 120 x 45 cm. Provide caves and roots for daytime hiding, as it rests by day and forages at night.1 3 2

What temperature, light or water does a Polka-dot Synodontis need?

Keep tropical water at 24 to 28°C, pH 6.0 to 8.0, and hardness about 3 to 20 dGH. It prefers dim lighting and plenty of hiding spots.1 3 2

How often should I clean a Polka-dot Synodontis's home?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a weekly water change of about 30 to 50% and a weekly water test. Rinse the filter every two weeks. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Polka-dot Synodontis live with others?

Yes, it does well with tetras, cichlids, knifefish and gouramis. It is often best as the only Synodontis, as adults can become territorial toward other bottom-dwellers.3 2

How long does a Polka-dot Synodontis live?

With proper care, it can live up to 20 years. Provide a stable environment and good diet to support its long lifespan.3

Can I handle a Polka-dot Synodontis?

It is best not to handle this fish; it has stiff serrated spines that can cause injury. Always use a container or net if you need to move it.2 3

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

Featherfin Squeaker

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

FishBase: Synodontis angelicus fishbase.seused for distribution, max size, water parameters, IUCN
Wikipedia: Synodontis angelicus en.wikipedia.orgused for names, etymology, appearance, behaviour, history
Seriously Fish: Synodontis angelicus seriouslyfish.comused for tank size, water parameters, diet, behaviour, colour variation, lifespan

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.