Featherfin Squeaker, scientifically known as Featherfin synodontis, is a type of catfish.
It can be found in the White Nile, Volta and Niger Rivers, and the Chad Basin.
These fish are named for their ability to make sounds to talk to each other and their tall, feathery fin that many people like.
Featherfin squeaker fish usually live near muddy bottoms but can also be found near rocks.
Their main food is insect larvae, but they feed on algae as well. These fish have a unique behavior of swimming upside-down.
Featherfin Squeaker Interesting Facts
- Featherfin squeakers are a type of catfish that make noises to communicate with each other.
- They are called “featherfin” because of their unique, high feather-like fin which is highly valued by many hobbyists.
- These fish can grow up to 30 centimeters (11.8 inches) long in the wild and are found in the White Nile, Volta, and Niger Rivers, as well as the Chad Basin.
- Featherfin squeakers prefer muddy bottoms but may also be found over rocks.
- They mainly feed on insect larvae but eat algae too.
Featherfin Squeaker Habitat
Featherfin squeaker fish can be found in Africa, specifically in the White Nile, Niger, Volta, Chad, Kwa Ibo, and Cross River basins.
They live in freshwater environments and swim close to the bottom of the water.
These fish prefer a pH range between 6.2 to 7.5, and a water hardness (dH) range up to 15.
They thrive in water temperatures between 72°F to 79°F (22°C to 26°C).
Featherfin squeaker fish is found in tropical areas, mainly between 17°N and 4°N latitude.
| Water Temperature: | 72°F to 79°F (22°C to 26°C) |
| Water pH: | 6.2 to 7.5 pH |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Featherfin Squeaker Physical Characteristics
Size: 11.8 inches (30.0 centimeters)
Featherfin squeaker can grow up to 11.8 inches (30.0 centimeters) in length.
This fish is mostly dark brown, with a few small, isolated spots on its back, side, head, and fins.
Depending on the individual fish, the spots on the fins can be more or less aligned.
The maxillary barbels, including the membranes, are black. The fin filaments are darker than the fins themselves.
Apart from these, this fish has some unique features that set it apart from other freshwater fish.
The gill slits of featherfin squeaker fish don’t extend beyond the point where the pectoral fins are attached.
They have large eyes, which are about 23% to 34.5% of their head length and 48% to 75% of their snout length.
The area behind their eyes is at least 60% of their snout length.
These fish have unbranched maxillary barbels (whisker-like structures) that are longer than their head, with no bumps and a broad base near the front.
Their outer mandibular barbels have simple, thin, and long branches. The inner mandibular barbels have shorter, divided, and bumpy branches.
Featherfin squeaker fish have 39 to 62 slender and moderately long teeth in their lower jaw.
The pectoral-fin spines have weak denticulations (tooth-like projections) on the outer margin and strong ones on the inner margin.
The dorsal fin spine is smooth in the front but has a few apical denticles (small teeth).
They have a triangular humeral process (bone near the shoulder) without a keel on the bottom.
Their adipose fin (a small, fleshy fin) is well developed and close to the rayed dorsal fin.
Also, the dorsal and pectoral fin rays and spines extend into filaments. These fish also have spots on their body and fins.
Featherfin Squeaker Reproduction
Featherfin squeaker fish lay eggs to reproduce, so they are oviparous.
During their breeding process, they form distinct pairs.
Featherfin Squeaker Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Siluriformes |
| Family: | Mochokidae |
| Genus: | Synodontis |
| Scientific Name: | Synodontis eupterus |
| Also Known As: | Featherfin Squeaker |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |