🐟 Orangestriped Squeaker Catfish (Synodontis flavitaeniatus)
Congo Basin Catfish • Striking Striped Pattern • Shy but Social — Best in a Group
 
📋 The Orangestriped Squeaker Catfish, also sold as the Pyjama Synodontis or Yellow-striped Squeaker, is a medium-sized African catfish with bold, bright striping on a dark body. It comes from the Congo River basin, including the Pool Malebo area and the Kasai and Ubangi drainages, and it has never been common in the trade, since imports from the Congo are increasingly difficult and commercial breeding isn't established.
It's a shy but sociable species that does best in a group of five or more, with plenty of hiding places and broken sightlines. Individuals can squabble over favourite caves, so give each fish its own retreat. It's peaceful with other species of similar size and will eat fish small enough to swallow. It's a hearty eater that's a little prone to bloating, so portion control keeps it in top shape, and fine sand is best to protect its long sensory barbels.
 
💡 Highlights
🧡 Bold Striped Pattern: Bright striping on a dark body
👥 Shy but Social: Happiest in groups of five or more
🌙 Nocturnal and Shy: Rests in caves by day, forages at dusk
🍽️ A Hearty Eater: Measured portions keep it in top shape
📏 Grows to About 19.5cm: A medium-sized Synodontis