The featherfin squeaker (Synodontis eupterus) is a species of Synodontis catfish. The fish' habitat is located in Chad, Niger. Also known simply as featherfin catfish. Featherfin squeakers are called such due to their ability to make noises to communicate with one another and also for their high feather-like fin which is valued by many hobbyists. Wild specimens are usually around 6-8 inches. These fish are usually kept singly in aquaria due to their territorial and aggressive nature when they reach maturity, but several can be kept in large, public aquaria.

In the Aquarium

General Info

Featherfin squeakers are very hardy and easy to care for, but still not recommended for beginners due to the problems they might cause, saying that they are territorial. If housing these with other bottom dwellers, make sure each has a cave for itself and locate each cave as far away from each other as possible. As with any fish, keep the tank water clean and at a balanced pH, kH of 2-15 and a warm water temperature, around 25-28 degrees Celcius. The absolute minimum tank size should be 30 gallons, sparsely or densely planted with live or fake plants, it doesn't really matter, as long as it has big enough caves to hide in.

Diet

These are omnivorous so give them a good quality flake food as the staple, or even better sinking catfish pellets. An occasional feeding of spirulina flakes or algae wafers would ensure the vegetable part of their diet. Once weekly feeding of bloodworms, tubifex, brine shrimp and other meaty foods will complete the perfect diet. Be sure to feed before lights on and off, because like most catfish, it is rather nocturnal, which means it feeds at night.

Tankmates

The only category that really matters is that bottom dwelling tankmates should have their own territories, especially this one. Reports have been made that it is kept successfully with corydoras catfish without any problems. Due to its rather bold and aggressive nature, it is a perfect bottom dweller for cichlid tanks, just make sure that there is an extra cave when introducing one, cause it might steal a cichlid's cave.

Breeding

It was never bred naturally in captivity, so pet shop specimens were bred from hormone injected parents, which is sort of hard for a regular hobbyist to accomplish.

References

• http://www.aquahobby.com/gallery/e_feather.php
• http://www.aquariumlife.net/profiles/african-catfish/featherfin-catfish/100062.asp

External links

• Planet Catfish
• FishBase
• Central Pets