| Featherfin squeaker | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Ostariophysi |
| Family: | Siluriformes |
| Genus: | Synodontis |
| Species: | S. eupterus |
| Binomial name | |
| Synodontus eupterus |
|
| Synonyms | |
|
Featherfin syno |
|
The featherfin squeaker (Synodontis eupterus) or Featherfin Synodontis is a species of Synodontis catfish. The fish's 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 (150–200 mm). These fish are usually kept singly in aquaria due to their territorial and aggressive nature when they reach maturity.
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, as they are territorial. If housing these with other bottom dwellers, each should have a cave for itself and must be located as far away from each other as possible. As with any fish, the tank water should always be clean and at a balanced pH (7-8.5), kH of 2–15 and a warm water temperature, around 25 to 28 degrees Celsius (77 to 82 °F). The absolute minimum tank size should be 30 gallons (110 L), densely planted with plants along with some large enough caves for the synodontis to hide in. Sometimes, like its cousin the Upside Down Catfish (Synodontis nigriventris), it may turn upside down in order to get food. This will usually only happen when it is resting.
Diet
These are omnivorous and should be given a good quality flake food as the staple, or 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. They should be fed just before the lights are turned off, because, like most catfish, it is nocturnal.
Tankmates
These bottom dwelling Synodontis catfish should have their own territories. 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 said to be a perfect bottom dweller for rift lake cichlid aquariums.
Breeding
It has never been bred naturally in captivity, so there is a likelihood that pet shop specimens were bred from hormone injected parents, which is not readily available or recommended for an in-experienced hobbyist to accomplish.