All fish / Mochokidae

Featherfin Squeaker

Synodontis eupterus

Also known as featherfin synodontis, featherfin catfish, feather fin squeaker, eupterus catfish, featherfin syno, upside down featherfin, シノドンティス・エウプテルス, 羽鳍歧须鮠, 羽毛倒吊鼠

This is a hardy African catfish with a pale grey to brown body covered in dark spots and a tall, flowing dorsal fin that gives it its common name. It squeaks when handled, often swims upside down, and its toughness and long life make it popular in large community and African cichlid tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

20 cm

Temperature

22 to 27 °C

pH

6.5 to 8

Smallest tank

250 litres

Keep as

Single or a group of 3 or more in a large tank

Diet

Omnivore: sinking catfish pellets, frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp, shrimp and vegetable matter

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

White Nile, Niger, Volta and Chad basins in West and Central Africa

Breeding

It is rarely bred in home aquariums and almost all captive spawning has been done on fish farms using hormone injections. Spontaneous spawning in a home tank is very unusual.

Good to know

It grows to around 20 cm or more and can bully small bottom dwellers or eat tiny fish at night, so give it caves and plenty of space. Handle with care, as the stout fin spines can catch in nets and cause painful wounds.