Welcome to the fascinating world of pet fish! Today, we’ll talk about the Featherfin Squeaker (Synodontis Euptera), a fascinating species that will pique the interest of both beginner and intermediate fish enthusiasts.
Join us as we dive into the world of the Featherfin Squeaker and discover all this species has to offer. There’s something here for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned fish owner or new to the hobby. So, let’s get this party started!
Overview
Scientific Name: Synodontis eupterus
Common Names: Featherfin Squeaker
Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
Adult Size: 30 cm
Characteristics
| Habitat | Rivers and lakes |
| Origin | Africa |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive |
| Diet | Omnivorous, feed pellets and frozen food |
| Tank Level | Bottom |
| Minimum Tank Size | 55 gallons |
| Water pH | 6.5-7.5 |
| Water Temperature | 22-26°C |
| Water Hardness | Soft to medium |
| Lighting | Moderate |
| Tank Mates | Peaceful community fish |
Fun Fact Corner
One fun fact about the Featherfin Squeaker is that they are known for their unique vocalization ability. They can make a high-pitched squeaking sound, which gives rise to their name. The precise reason for this behavior is unknown, but it is believed to be used to communicate between members of the same species. They squeak when agitated or excited, which can be quite loud. They can be entertaining to listen to, making them a fun and exciting addition to the tank.
Origin
The Featherfin Catfish is a Mochokidae catfish species. It is native to Africa’s rivers and streams, specifically the Congo River basin. The Featherfin Squeaker is well adapted to life in fast-moving water, making it a hardy and resilient species well suited for captivity. The species has been observed in various habitats, including rocky and sandy river bottoms and densely forested areas.
Appearance
The Featherfin Squeaker has a striking appearance. These fish have elongated bodies, typically silver-gray, with dark vertical stripes running down their length. The fins are also eye-catching, with the dorsal fin, in particular, being long and flowing.
The anal fin of the Featherfin Squeaker is large and flowing, giving it an almost ethereal appearance. The species also has an impressive set of large and rounded pectoral fins, giving the fish an almost majestic appearance.
Size
The Featherfin Squeaker is considered a medium-sized fish. They can reach a maximum length of 14 inches. They rarely grow to be larger than 10 inches (25 cm) in the aquarium, and the most common size is between 6 and 8 inches (15 to 20 cm).
It should be noted, however, that the size of the fish can vary depending on the conditions under which it is kept. Fish in larger tanks with plenty of swimming space grow more extensively than those in smaller tanks or bowls.
Furthermore, proper diet and care can significantly impact the size of a Featherfin Squeaker.
Genders
It can be challenging to determine the genders of Featherfin Squeakers because there are no distinguishing physical characteristics that can be used to tell males and females apart.
Males are slightly larger and have more pronounced fins than females. Furthermore, males may have more vibrant coloration than females.
While these traits are not always a surefire way to tell males from females, they can be useful indicators.
Behavior
The Featherfin Squeaker’s behavior is unique and interesting. These fish are active and enjoy swimming in the tank’s open areas. They are schooling fish that thrive in groups. They are usually peaceful and ideal for community tanks. They are not aggressive fish and can coexist peacefully with other species.
Featherfin Squeakers are very vocal and can make a variety of squeaking sounds. These sounds are typically made by excited or stressed fish and are not cause for concern.
Tankmates
Regarding tankmates, the Featherfin Squeaker is a relatively peaceful species that can be kept with various other fish. Keep in mind the size and behavior of the other fish in the tank to ensure they will get along.
Featherfin Squeakers can get along well with a variety of other aquarium inhabitants, such as:
- Other peaceful fish such as tetras, rasboras, and danios
- Other African cichlids such as Mbuna or Peacock cichlids
- Catfish such as Corydoras or Plecos
- Livebearers such as Guppies or Platies
- Snails and shrimp
It’s also worth noting that when mixing different species, it’s always a good idea to research compatibility and potential aggression before introducing them to the tank.
Tank conditions
The Featherfin Squeaker is a relatively hardy species that can adapt to a wide range of water conditions in tanks. However, a suitable environment must be provided to ensure the fish’s health and well-being. The ideal water temperature for Featherfin Squeakers is 72-82°F (22-28°C) with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
Aquarium size should be a minimum of 55 gallon tank.
They also prefer a moderate to high flow rate and a well-oxygenated water environment. Ensuring the tank is filtered correctly and the water remains clean is also critical. Regular water changes and maintenance are required to keep the fish in optimal conditions. Providing the fish with enough swimming space and hiding places is also important.
Diet
Featherfin Squeaker is an omnivorous species that will eat almost anything. In the wild, they are known to be opportunistic feeders, consuming a variety of available foods. They will accept a variety of foods in captivity, including flakes, pellets, frozen foods, and live foods.
A diet rich in protein sources such as brine shrimp, blood worms, daphnia, and vegetable matter will provide the fish with the required nutrients. Feeding the fish in small amounts several times a day rather than all at once is also important. This will help prevent overfeeding and stabilize the tank’s water quality.
Breeding
Featherfin Squeaker is a relatively easy species to breed in captivity. They are a mouthbrooding species, meaning the female will hold the eggs and fry them in her mouth until they are ready to be released.
It is critical to provide a suitable environment for breeding Featherfin Squeakers. The water temperature should be between 78 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit (26 and 28 degrees Celsius), and the pH should be between 7.0 and 8.0. They also require a high flow rate and water that is well-oxygenated.
When the fish are mature enough to breed, the male will construct a nest and court the female. Following mating, the female will lay her eggs in the nest, which the male will fertilize. The female will then pick up the eggs and carry them around in her mouth for 21-25 days. After this time, she will release the fully formed fry, which can swim and feed independently.
While the featherfin squeaker is a peaceful species, they are known to be territorial when breeding, so make sure to give them plenty of hiding spots and swimming space. Keep the breeding pair separate from the other fish in the tank to prevent the fry from being eaten.
Diseases
The Featherfin Squeaker is a disease-resistant species that can tolerate various water conditions. They are, however, susceptible to certain diseases, as are all fish, if proper care is not taken.
To prevent disease, maintain good water quality, provide a healthy diet and suitable living conditions, and regularly monitor your fish for signs of illness. If you suspect your fish is sick, you must act quickly to prevent the disease from spreading to other fish in your tank.
