Article supplied by Alex Gourgiotopoulos of Kingston, Ontario

The Featherfin Synodontis originates from the rivers of the White Nile in Africa.  It is also know as the Squeaker Synodontis or the Featherfin Squeaker.  The Featherfin is a catfish whose name originates from the Greek words “Syno” meaning “close” and “odontis” meaning “tooth”, which refers to the teeth of the lower jaw of the fish that are spaced close together.  The second attribute of its name, “Eupterus”, refers also to the Greek word “Beautiful wings”, which refers to its dorsal fin.  The Featherfin belongs to the family of Mochokidae and shares its place among approximately 170 species, 50 of which belong to the same group of Synodontis.

As a catfish in the wild, it would have spent its days at the bottom of the rivers and lakes prowling for food with its three pairs of barbells (another characteristic feature of this catfish, since only three other synodontis sport three pairs of barbells  - Synodontis decorus,  Synodontis clarias and Synodontis flaevitaeniatus).  Being opportunistic and not such a finicky eater, it would have eaten whatever fits in its mouth.  In the aquarium it will eat flakes, shrimp pellets and whatever falls at the bottom, but the diet should be enriched with frozen bloodworms and shrimp to keep its diet in a healthy balance.

As a catfish, the Featherfin is quite hardy and can be forgiving and accommodating to a variety of water conditions and tankmates (since it has the protection of his spiked fin), making it an ideal beginner's fish.  It is relatively peaceful in temperament, and despite its omnivorous nature, hardly ever bothers other bottom dwellers even if they are very small in size, but can be picky with its tankmates, harassing the unlucky one that it dislikes.  Synodontis Eupterus is also quite moody in attitude, therefore it should have caves to dwell in and feel at ease.  They usually like a piece of bogwood or a raised area at the bottom of the tank, preferably to overview the tank from a pot of clay and to patrol to show who is the boss.  It is not advised to put more than one of its species in a tank, since it can be very territorial with its own and it is a loner.  Nevertheless, other species of synodontis can be added, but keep in mind the prospect of aggressive behaviour toward some synos and also some plecos.

Sex is not easy to differentiate at the juvenile stage, but when they reach adulthood the male is usually more slender, while the female is much more bulky.  Breeding has not been successful in hobbyist’s aquariums.

Handling should be always with care, because of its spiked dorsal fin, to avoid being stuck, but also to avoid injuring the fish.  It is always preferred to use a plastic bag instead of a net to remove the fish to a different location.  I have seen a Featherfin lose a whisker against a large rock and then re-grow a new one.

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