The Mochokidae are a family of catfishes (order Siluriformes) that are known as the squeakers or known as upside-down catfish (although not all species swim upside-down). There are nine genera and about 200 species of mochokids. All the mochokids are freshwater species originating from Africa.[1]
They have three pairs of barbels, with the nasal barbels absent; sometimes, the mandibular barbels may be branched.[1] The lips are modified into a suckermouth in Atopochilus, Chiloglanis, and Euchilichthys.[1] The adipose fin is usually very long. The dorsal and pectoral fins have spines that are usually strong and with a locking mechanism.[1] They range in size up to 72cm (28inches) SL.[1] This group contains many popular species among aquarists, such as Synodontis nigriventris, Synodontis angelicus, and Synodontis multipunctatus.