Unit conversion calculator for aquariums: How many gallons are in your aquarium, how many drops in a teaspoon, whats the difference between a US gallon and a UK gallon, not to mention liters?
Piranhas, one of the most efficient predators with razor sharp teeth and a ferocious nature. Piranha Fish Species, description, information, habitat, and more!
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It is overwhelmingly common to find guides (including this one) to claim that S. eupterus are intolerant of nitrates. This is simply not true and I have no idea... (more)TastySalmon
The Featherfin Catfish is a pretty fish with delicate lacy fins and a polka dot patterning!
The Featherfin Synodontis is considered to be one of the 'upside-down' catfish species. Like their well-known relatives, the Upside-Down Catfish Synodontis nigriventris, the featherfin can swim upside down at will. They are called squeakers because they produce a squeaking sound as a warning to both predators and competitors during spawning time. The squeaking is accomplished by rubbing the spines of its pectoral fins into grooves on its shoulders. Other common names they are known by include Featherfin Catfish and Featherfin Synodontis. They are also referred to as the Lace Cat or Synodontis Lace Catfish, though this name is more often applied to its very similar cousin the Lace Synodontis Synodontis nigrita.
The Featherfin Squeaker is a great choice as a durable and attractive bottom scavenger. When kept singly they make a very handsome and intriguing showpiece, and are particularly active when feeding. They are also compatible with others of their own genus as long as the tank is large enough with plenty of rocks or driftwood for places of refuge. Each fish will pick a particular spot under a piece of driftwood or in a hole to call their own. When kept with others of their own species, they will often frolick and chas each other through tunnels and holes in a well decorated aquarium.
Featherfin Catfish are fairly hardy fish. A minimum aquarium size of 50 gallons is suggested. They are not difficult to keep in a well maintained environment and will get along well with other fish in a large community aquarium. Most other tank mates, both large and small, will get along fine as long as they aren't bottom dwellers feeding in the same area. Small bottoms feeders like Corydoras or Otocinclus can be at risk. Yet even more aggressive fish, like African cichlids, can make good tank mates for these attractive scavengers.
This looks to be a perfect aquarium environment for this Featherfin catfish. Notice the lower light levels, hiding places, and algae growing from the wood which comes from a long established tank.
The Featherfin Squeaker Synodontis eupterus was described by Boulenger in 1901. They inhabit much of central Africa, including Nigeria, Chad, Sudan, Ghana, Mali, Niger, and Cameroon. They are found in the famous White Nile river system as well. Other common names they are known by include Featherfin Catfish, Featherfin Synodontis, Synodontis Lace Catfish, and Lace Cat. Due to their wide distribution they are not considered threatened and are listed as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List of endangered species.
Featherfin Catfish prefer living near muddy or rocky bottoms of rivers in their natural habitat, preying upon insect larvae and even eating algae. They prefer moderately fast flowing rivers. Like most catfish, they are primarily scavengers and will eat most available items that are edible. Featherfin Synodontis enjoy each other’s company in the wild and often live in small, fluctuating groups.
Scientific Name: Synodontis eupterus
Social Grouping: Groups - Can be kept singly or in groups.
IUCN Red List: LC - Least Concern
Description
The Featherfin Squeaker is fairly large and a long-lived catfish. It can get up to 11.8 inches (30 cm) in length, though they usually only obtain 6 - 8” (15-20 cm) in the aquarium. They commonly have a lifespan of 8 to 10 years, but there are reports of them living up to 25 years.
Featherfin Catfish have a flattened underside and triangular flanks leading up to their sharp, spined dorsal fin that develops lacy extensions on the adults. The barbels are quite pronounced and very flexible allowing them to seek food and warn other competitors off with a ‘tickle’. These catfish are often spotted or patterned with varying degrees of browns and sometimes grays. Called Featherfin Synodontis, they are particularly noted for their huge, feathery fins. Because Featherfins can range greatly in color, they can easily be confused with similar Synodontis species and are often sold as a completely different species.
Juveniles and adults often look completely different and the young do not have the distinctive dorsal fin extensions. When young these fish can easily be misidentified with their close relative, the Upside-Down Catfish Synodontis nigriventris. But once the Featherfin Synodontis grows well past four inches their identity becomes clear.
Synodontis are known as squeaker catfish because they produce a squeaking sound by rubbing the spines of the pectoral fins into grooves on the shoulders. They use this sound as a warning to both predators and competitors during spawning time. Like their relatives the Upside-Down Catfish, they can also swim upside down at will. For idedntification, their distinctive characteristics are the long, flowing fins, delicately spotted body, and their eventual adult size.
Size of fish - inches: 11.8 inches (30.00 cm) - They usually only obtain 6-8” (15-20 cm) in the aquarium.
Lifespan: 25 years - Up to 25 years, but more commonly 8-10.
Fish Keeping Difficulty
The Featherfin Squeaker perfectly fits the definition of a hardy fish. Featherfins can withstand a variety of water conditions, food types, and tank mates. They are survivors and very few of the common beginner mistakes adversely effects them. Tanks can be extremely dirty since this mimics much of their natural habitat, though a dirty tank is not recommended. One thing they do require though is a decently size aquarium, preferably over 50 gallons.
Aquarium Hardiness: Very Hardy
Aquarist Experience Level: Beginner
Foods and Feeding
Featherfin Synodontis are omnivores that feed on insect larvae, algae, and any other foods source they can scavenge in the wild. In the aquarium they are not hard to feed at all. They are enthusiastic eaters will consume nearly any food they can locate with a rambunctious attitude. Even though they prefer to be under cover during day time, the tantalizing smell of food in the water will often bring them out of their domain for a good feasting time. Meaty foods, vegetable tablets, and anything in between will be appreciated by these hardy eaters. Brine shrimp and blood worms (either live or frozen), or even small earthworms are an excellent once a week snack.
Diet Type: Omnivore
Flake Food: Yes
Tablet / Pellet: Yes
Live foods (fishes, shrimps, worms): Some of Diet
Vegetable Food: Some of Diet
Meaty Food: Some of Diet
Feeding Frequency: Daily
Aquarium Care
These Synodontis are not picky about their aquarium conditions. Little maintenance has to be done to keep them in good condition. Regular siphoning of the gravel is recommended to remove waste and keep the tank in a clean state.The recommended water change is 10 - 15% every other week to keep up with the bio-load..
Water Changes: Bi-weekly - Bi-Weekly water changes of 10 - 15% are recommended to keep the tank from becoming heavily fouled.
Aquarium Setup
A minimum 50 gallon aquarium is recommended for a full sized Featherfin Squeaker. This Synodontis catfish enjoys a tank with lots of hiding places, particularly driftwood. They have fun chasing each other around all the tunnels and holes, while feeling secure under the driftwood. Once they find their favorite spot, they will stay there much of their lives unless the tank is revamped or a competitor out competes them for the space. Porous rocks, such as the tufa used for African cichlid tanks, are also welcomed by these catfish. Substrate should be sand or some type of smooth gravel to reduce the chance of barbel damage. Plants also provide cover, but they must be tough and resilient since these catfish often shove away anything in their path.
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gal (189 L)
Suitable for Nano Tank: No
Substrate Type: Sand/Gravel Mix - Sand or smooth gravel will help reduce the chance of barbel damage.
Lighting Needs: Low - subdued lighting - Will appreciated overhangs and hiding places in more brightly lit aquariums.
Temperature: 72.0 to 81.0° F (22.2 to 27.2° C)
Range ph: 5.6-7.5
Hardness Range: 8 - 20 dGH
Brackish: No
Water Movement: Moderate
Water Region: Bottom
Social Behaviors
Featherfin Catfish are not aggressive, but they aren't necessarily peaceful either. They fall into the range of semi-aggressive. They pose little risk to small fish that swim in the middle or top of the tank, but can harass smaller bottom feeders like Corydoras or Otocinclus. They also tend to be food hogs, so weak, slow eating fish will often find they have missed out at feeding time!
The Featherfin Squeaker enjoys the company of its own genus, but like the majority of Synodontis they have an intricate hierarchy system, mainly based on size. The most dominant Featherfin will get the best hiding place. The 'species internal' bullying is rarely life threatening but can cause substantial stress which may lead to illness. Watch for any individual fish getting bullied too much. Featherfins are often an excellent addition in African Cichlid tanks.
Venomous: No
Temperament: Semi-aggressive - Though basically a peaceful fish, they will harass other bottom feeders.
Compatible with:
Same species - conspecifics: Yes - They can be kept with other Synodontis if the tank is large with many hiding places.
Peaceful fish (): Monitor - Be cautious with smaller bottoms feeders like Corydoras or Otocinclus that compete for food.
Semi-Aggressive (): Safe - Can usually be kept with semi-aggressive and even aggressive fish such as Rift Lake cichlids.
Aggressive (): Monitor
Large Semi-Aggressive (): Safe
Large Aggressive, Predatory (): Monitor
Slow Swimmers & Eaters (): Monitor - Synodontis are food hogs and slow eaters may not get enough to eat.
Females are usually larger than males with a bigger girth. They often develop pot bellies.
Breeding / Reproduction
Featherfin Synodontis have not been successfully bred in home aquariums, though they have been bred in fish farms with the help of added hormones.
Ease of Breeding: Unknown - This fish has been bred in fish farms with the help of added hormones, however breeding is unknown in the home aquarium.
Fish Diseases
Synodontis euptera are very hardy fish and have no diseases they are particularly effected by. However, they are subject to the same diseases as other tropical fish. For information about freshwater fish diseases and illnesses, see Aquarium Fish Diseases and Treatments.
High nitrate levels can cause Feather-fin catfish to develop infected barbels; this makes it difficult for them to navigate and eat normally. It is recommended to maintain nitrate levels below 20 ppm.
The best way to proactively prevent disease is to give your Feather-fin Catfish the proper environment and give them a well balanced diet. The closer to their natural habitat the less stress the fish will have, making them healthier and happy. A stressed fish will is more likely to acquire disease.
Remember anything you add to your tank can bring disease to your tank. Not only other fish but plants, substrate, and decorations can harbor bacteria. Take great care and make sure to properly clean or quaranteen anything that you add to an established tank so not to upset the balance.
Because they are a scaleless fish, catfish can be treated with pimafix or melafix but should not be treated with potassium permanganate or copper based medications. Malachite green or formalin can be used at one half to one fourth the recommended dosage. All medications should be used with caution.
Availability
The Featherfin Squeaker is generally available from pet stores and online and moderately priced.
TastySalmon - 2022-01-30 It is overwhelmingly common to find guides (including this one) to claim that S. eupterus are intolerant of nitrates. This is simply not true and I have no idea how this myth perpetuates. I have three very healthy eupterus that are in my zero water change 125g tank that has nitrates no lower than 120ppm.
alec - 2006-09-30 i have two featherfins in a 10 gallon tank with a bunch of other community fish. One is about 4 inches now and is highly territorial to the other feather. They tend to be a little nocturnal; they completely hide themselves when i turn the tank light on. I find that they change colors when i put them in different tanks. Right now its pitch-black on the black gravel but when i put it in my other tank, with white gravel, it becomes a lot lighter and his spots are visible. Right now all they will eat are sinking wafers and bloodworms. They are great fish and have beautiful fins.
Christine Staats - 2022-01-16 Sounds like you need a larger tank. My featherfin squeaker is easily close to 12 inches long. He or she is quite territorial but he has his own log hide that helps. Igot him at this size when we eye buying a used tank. We got there only to find out that the tank also had the catfish, a bristlenose, rainbow shark any one neon tetra. So we adopted them because we didn't have much choice.
Sandra Whitmore - 2016-12-29 Hi I have a feather fin.rescued from a friend . Have new tank 45 gallon.novice so collecting info.think it's a she .becoming very friendly but only with me . Need some buddies for her . In perfect condition so don't want fighting any suggestions pls. Sandy.
Ezra - 2021-06-30 Hey there! I have a tank of similar size with one featherfin and two goldfish. They seem to get along well, except one of my goldfish is sick right now (treatment is a work in progress) so he gets attacked sometimes, but very rarely. The only advice i have is to make sure none of the fish get sick, or the feather fin will begin to attack them.
barbara - 2019-07-29 I have a 55gal hex tank and my featherfin is typically pretty peaceful with other fish other than an occasional bullying by getting them out of the way... only seems to have an issue with my pleco (both of them are the same size) however i think it's only because recently i added some more decor and it might be a bit too cramped at the base of the tank so i will be removing some decor to see if that helps some. the featherfin cohabitates with the pleco, a black moor goldfish, a few guppies, 1 shrimp, 1 convict cichlid, and 1 gourami. the goldfish, guppies, shrimp, and gourami are all recent additions to the tank...i've had the rest of the fish anywheres from 2-4 years now.
John Henry Huss - 2021-06-29 I have a 50 gallon tank with a featherfin and a pleco of simmilar size both biggest of the tank, they used to cohabitate a cave in my tank and would often try to push each other out, I was worried about it so I bought a second cave. They now seem to get along just fine with the pleco in a more closed dark cave and my featherfin in a tree root fixture with many entrances. I also have tetras, shrimp, snails, mollies, loaches, and Cory catfish. The feather fin seems to like to eat the snails which I don’t have a problem with because I had many baby snails in the tank before I got the catfish and now it seems to be at a good equilibrium of snails in the tank. The featherfin also seemed to be ok around the shrimp as the shrimp lived about three years. I got the catfish at a local pet store in the adoption tank and had no idea how to care for him, he seemed hurt at first with a red sore nose, most likely from the lava rock within the tank scraping his nose on it which I would not recommend, now he seems just fine and I was glad it was able to recover.
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