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Featherfin Squeaker
Synodontis eupterus
📍 West Africa
The Featherfin Squeaker is a peaceful, nocturnal catfish from West Africa known for its distinctive feathered dorsal fin and ability to produce squeaking sounds. This bottom-dwelling species is excellent for community tanks and adds interesting behavior and activity during evening hours. They are hardy and relatively easy to care for, making them suitable for intermediate aquarists.
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Care Guide
Diet
Featherfin Squeakers are omnivorous bottom feeders that readily consume sinking pellets, algae wafers, and tablet foods. Supplement their diet 2-3 times weekly with live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Feed once daily in the evening when they become most active.
Behavior
These nocturnal catfish are most active during dawn and dusk, spending daylight hours hiding in caves or dense vegetation. They produce distinctive squeaking or grunting sounds, especially when stressed or during feeding. They are peaceful and social, often gathering in small groups and exploring the substrate for food.
Breeding
Breeding in captivity is challenging and rarely achieved in home aquariums. They require specific water conditions, caves for spawning, and careful monitoring. Success is more likely in larger, well-established tanks with minimal disturbance and optimal water parameters.
Tank Mates
Small, peaceful fish that occupy different water zones and do not compete for food
Similar bottom-dwelling habits and peaceful temperament; both are nocturnal scavengers
Peaceful mid-water dweller that does not interfere with bottom-feeding catfish
Small, schooling fish that remain in upper water zones and are non-aggressive
Both are nocturnal bottom feeders; provide separate hiding spots to minimize territorial disputes
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, rubbing against objects, lethargy
Raise water temperature to 28-30 C (82-86 F) gradually, perform daily water changes, use aquarium salt or ich medication; treat for 7-10 days
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, fin loss
Improve water quality with frequent water changes, remove sharp decorations, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure adequate filtration
Bacterial Infection
Open sores, red streaks on body, swollen areas, loss of appetite, cloudy eyes
Perform 25-50% water changes daily, use broad-spectrum antibiotic medication, isolate affected fish if possible, maintain optimal water parameters
Parasitic Infection
Excessive scratching, visible parasites, weight loss, clamped fins, lethargy
Use anti-parasitic medication as directed, perform frequent water changes, quarantine new fish before adding to main tank, maintain good water quality
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore - feeds on sinking pellets, algae wafers, and occasional live foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp
- lifespan
- 5-8 years
- max size
- 15 cm (5.9 in)
- tank size
- 40 gallons minimum
- temperament
- peaceful
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0-7.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 4-12 dGH
- temperature
- 72–79°F (22–26°C)