Aquarius Experience Level: Beginner
    Size of fish - inches: 11.8 inches (30.00 cm)
    Minimum Tank Size: 50 gal (189 L)
    Temperament: Semi-aggressive
    Aquarium Hardiness: Very Hardy
    Temperature: 72.0 to 81.0° F (22.2 to 27.2° C)
    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.
        Shrimps, Crabs, Snails: Threat - is aggressive - Featherfin Synodontis enjoy consuming snails.
        Plants: Safe