Bugeye squeaker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bugeye squeaker |
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The Synodontis contractus, also known as the bugeye squeaker, is a special type of upside-down catfish. It lives in the Congo Basin, which is a large river system in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of the Congo. You might even find this unique fish in pet stores, as it's popular in the aquarium hobby!
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What Does It Look Like?
The bugeye squeaker can grow to be about 9.7 centimeters (almost 4 inches) long. Its body is quite round and looks a bit "squished" or contracted compared to how tall it is. It has a strong, smooth head with a hard cap that protects it.
Fins and Mouth
This fish has fins that are a good size for its body. The first ray of its top fin (dorsal fin) and its side fins (pectoral fins) are stiff and have tiny saw-like edges. These can actually poke you, so be careful! Its tail fin is forked, like a "V" shape.
The bugeye squeaker's mouth is on its underside and is quite wide. It has a special plate of cone-shaped teeth on its upper jaw that it uses for scraping food. The teeth on its lower jaw can move. It also has two long, stiff whiskers, called barbles, on each side of its mouth. These might even have small branches on them.
Big Eyes and Squeaky Sounds
This fish looks a lot like another catfish called the Synodontis nigriventris. But the bugeye squeaker has a bigger head, a wider mouth, and much larger eyes. That's why it's called the "bugeye" squeaker!
One of the coolest things about this catfish is that it can make squeaking sounds! It does this by rubbing the base of its pectoral spine (the stiff part of its side fin) against its shoulder bone. It's like a little musical instrument built right into the fish!
Keeping a Bugeye Squeaker in an Aquarium
If you want to keep a bugeye squeaker as a pet, it needs certain water conditions. The water should be close to neutral, with a pH between 6.2 and 7.6. The temperature should be between 22 and 26 degrees Celsius (about 72 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit).
What Do They Eat?
Bugeye squeakers enjoy eating both live and frozen foods. They also like some vegetable matter in their diet. Think of it like a balanced meal for your fish!
Setting Up Their Home
These fish prefer an aquarium that isn't too bright. A soft bottom, like sand, is best for them. You should also add rocks, pieces of driftwood, and twisted roots to create lots of hiding spots. They love to hide and feel safe!
Plants with broad leaves, like Anubias or Echinodorus, and plants that float on the water surface are also great. Bugeye squeakers like to rest underneath these plants, making them feel right at home.
