Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Featherfin Squeaker

Synodontis eupterus Boulenger, 1901

Also called Featherfin synodontis, Featherfin catfish

SpeciesShort profile

From West and north-central Africa: the White Nile, Chad basin, Niger and Volta systems, plus the Kwa Ibo and Cross rivers.1 2 3

At a glance the quick version

Length15 to 30 cm1 2 3

Sizemedium

Showy, flowing dorsal fin

Can squeak to communicate

Peaceful with fish too big to eat

2 3 1

Looks how to spot one

Scaleless catfish with feather-like dorsal fin

A sturdy catfish whose adults grow a tall dorsal fin with very long front rays that trail like a feather. It has a bony head plate, strong fin spines and whisker-like barbels around a downward-facing mouth.3 2 4

Coloursolive-brown base with small dark spots (adults)juveniles with a thin wavy white bar on the tail stalk and banded fins3

Personality what they are like

A calm, mainly evening-active catfish that keeps to the bottom and sometimes flips onto its back to swim under roots and overhangs.3 1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderately active forager that rests in shelter by day and explores the bottom more in the evening.3 1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Avoid housing it with fin-nipping fish, since the long dorsal rays tempt them. Provide caves or roots for cover and handle with care because of the stiff fin spines.3 4

Home where they are happiest

Tropical water of about 22 to 26 C, pH 6.2 to 7.5 and hardness up to 15 dH, over a soft or muddy bottom with rocks and hiding places.1

Food basics what goes in the bowl

In the wild it eats mostly insect larvae plus some algae; in the aquarium offer sinking pellets and tablets, frozen foods and some plant matter.1 4

Company who they like around

Gets along with most peaceful community fish of similar size; keep away from fin-nippers.3

The story where it all began

George Albert Boulenger described the species in 1901 from Lake No on the White Nile. Its name comes from Greek for 'beautiful fin', and it began appearing in aquarium literature around 1990.3 1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Its common name combines two talents: the squeaks it makes to talk to other squeakers and its feather-like dorsal fin.2
2
Like its relatives it makes its squeaks by rubbing the base of its pectoral fin spines.4
3
It sometimes swims upside down, especially when gliding under roots.3
4
Young fish look very different from adults, with a crisp white bar on the tail stalk that fades as they grow.3

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2 September 2019)1
Taxonomy: Described by Boulenger in 1901; type locality Lake No on the White Nile3
Family: Mochokidae (squeakers or upside-down catfishes)1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Featherfin Squeaker. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Feedingevery day
Water changeAbout 30 to 50% of the waterevery week
Water testevery week
Filter rinseevery 2 weeks

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Featherfin Squeaker?

Feed your Featherfin Squeaker once a day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feeding, and you can offer sinking pellets or tablets in the evening when it is most active.1 4 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Featherfin Squeaker eat, and what should it never eat?

In the wild it eats insect larvae and some algae; in the aquarium offer sinking pellets, tablets, frozen foods and plant matter. Never feed it anything that could harm its sensitive barbels or digestive system, and always check with a vet or good breeder for specific foods to avoid.1 4

How much space does a Featherfin Squeaker need?

The space needed varies with the fish's size and tank setup; ask a good breeder or exotic-pet vet for the right tank size. Provide caves or roots for cover and a soft or muddy bottom.3 1

What temperature, light or water does a Featherfin Squeaker need?

Keep tropical water at 22 to 26°C, pH 6.2 to 7.5, and hardness up to 15 dH. Provide a soft or muddy bottom with rocks and hiding places, and dim lighting as it is mainly evening-active.1

How often should I clean a Featherfin Squeaker's home?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a weekly water change of about 30 to 50%, along with a weekly water test and a filter rinse every two weeks. Always follow the test results and ask a vet if unsure. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Featherfin Squeaker live with others?

Yes, it gets along with most peaceful community fish of similar size. Keep it away from fin-nipping fish, as its long dorsal rays can tempt them.3 4

How long does a Featherfin Squeaker live?

Lifespan varies depending on care; ask a good breeder or exotic-pet vet for typical expectations. With proper habitat and diet, it can live many years.

Can I handle a Featherfin Squeaker?

Handle with care because of its stiff fin spines; it is best to avoid unnecessary handling. Use a soft net if you must move it, and never lift it out of water for long.3 4

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

Polka-dot Synodontis

Cuckoo Catfish

Upside-down Catfish

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

FishBase: Synodontis eupterus fishbase.seused for distribution, size, water parameters, diet, IUCN, upside-down habit
Wikipedia: Synodontis eupterus en.wikipedia.orgused for names, size, name meaning
Wikipedia (German): Synodontis eupterus de.wikipedia.orgused for appearance, juvenile vs adult colour, behaviour, history
Wikipedia: Synodontis en.wikipedia.orgused for genus traits, sound production, diet

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.