Featherfin Squeaker
Synodontis eupterus
Mochokidae
About
A robust West and Central African mochokid from the White Nile, Niger, Volta, Chad, Cross and Kwa Ibo basins, usually reaching around 20 cm in the aquarium although wild fish are recorded larger. Juveniles wear a fine reticulated network pattern that breaks up with age into isolated dark spots, while the tall dorsal fin grows the trailing filaments that give the fish its feathered look. It is nocturnal and secretive, patrolling caves, roots and rockwork after dark and often resting belly-up under an overhang, and it grows pushy towards its own kind as it matures. Well kept, it is a long-lived fish that can pass fifteen years in the tank.
Care
Give one adult at least 200 litres on a 120 cm footprint, with soft sand to protect the barbels, caves and bogwood for daytime cover, strong external filtration, well-oxygenated water and moderate flow. A tight lid and a heater guard are sensible. The pectoral and dorsal spines are sharp and lock outwards, so move the fish in a jug or container rather than a net, which it will shred and snag itself in.
Diet
Omnivorous night forager taking insect larvae, small invertebrates, algae and detritus in the wild; in the tank offer sinking foods, frozen items and vegetables in the evening, and expect it to hunt fish under about 5 cm, shrimp and snails.
Tankmate compatibility
Gets along with (26)
Possible with care (92)
Avoid (153)
Computed by the AquaSage engine for a spacious reference tank — always check the full verdict for your exact setup in the calculator.
Telling males from females
What works for this species, most reliable first.
- Adult sizeA hint only · only across animals of the same age
In many cichlids, catfish and loaches one sex simply grows larger — usually the male, though there are well-known reversals.
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Frequently asked questions
- What tank size does a Featherfin Squeaker need?
- A Featherfin Squeaker needs an aquarium of at least 200 litres (52.8 US gallons) with a footprint at least 120 cm (47.2 in) long — for this species, swimming length matters as much as raw volume.
- What water parameters does a Featherfin Squeaker need?
- Featherfin Squeaker does best at 22–27 °C (71.6–80.6 °F), pH 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 8–20 °dGH.
- Is the Featherfin Squeaker suitable for beginners?
- Featherfin Squeaker sits in the middle of the difficulty scale — manageable for a careful beginner who has done the reading, but it has specific needs worth researching first.