From Aqua Guide, the free encyclopedia
Featherfin Squeaker
Synodontis eupterus
- Temperature
- 22–27 °C
- pH
- 6 – 7.5
- Min. tank size
- 200 L
- Lifespan
- 15 years
- Diet
- omnivore
- Care level
- moderate
| Scientific classification | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name: | Synodontis eupterus |
| Family: | Mochokidae |
| Origin: | Africa (White Nile and Lake Chad basins) |
| Care Characteristics | |
| Care Level: | moderate |
| Diet: | omnivore |
| Max Size: | 30.00 cm |
| Water Type: | freshwater |
| Temp Group: | tropical |
| Temperament: | peaceful |
| Min Group: | Can be kept alone |
| Varieties: | No cultivated strains, and the confusion is between growth stages and between species. Juveniles are frequently marketed as Synodontis "Network" for their reticulated patterning, which fades with maturity — so the same fish appears in shops under two names at two ages, and buyers of the small one often have no idea what it becomes. The tall feathered dorsal fin develops with age too, so a juvenile does not look like the photographs of an adult. The genus is large and several species are traded. Synodontis nigriventris is the true upside-down catfish, staying around 10 cm and genuinely swimming inverted. S. petricola and S. multipunctatus come from Lake Tanganyika and suit hard alkaline tanks — the latter famous as a brood parasite that slips its eggs into a mouthbrooding cichlid's clutch. S. decorus and S. angelicus are larger species sold as juveniles. Hybrid Synodontis are also produced commercially and are difficult to identify. If you are buying a small spotted Synodontis, establish the species and its adult size first. |
| Lifespan: | 15 years |
Quick Tips
- Bioload:Medium to high
- Min Tank:200 L
- Substrate:Soft sand; caves, driftwood and hiding spots
- Plant Safe:Plant-safe (may dig)
- Filtration:High
Featherfin Squeaker (Synodontis eupterus) is a species of fish in the family Mochokidae. It is native to Africa (White Nile and Lake Chad basins). The featherfin squeaker is sold as a small spotted catfish and reaches 300 mm standard length. It is also sold under two names for the same fish at different ages. Juveniles carry a fine reticulated pattern and are frequently marketed as Synodontis "Network"; that netting fades with maturity into simple spotting, and the tall feathered dorsal fin the adult is named for develops with age. A great many people have bought a Network catfish without realising what it becomes. It comes from the White Nile, Volta and Niger basins and the Chad Basin. The squeaking is real. Synodontis are called squeakers because they produce broadband stridulation sounds by abducting and adducting the pectoral fin spines — grinding the spine base against its socket — and a netted or startled fish is clearly audible. It can live over fifteen years.
Compatibility
- Temperament
- peaceful
- Keep in
- Can be kept alone
- Swims
- bottom
- Fin nipper
- No
- Delicate fins
- No
Species similar to Featherfin Squeaker
Matched on family, then category, then water type