Species profile
Synodontis Eupterus (Featherfin)
Synodontis eupterus
Semi aggressive
Moderate care
350 L minimum aquarium
20–30 cm adult size
Bottom
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Featherfin Synodontis. Robust, adaptable and long-lived, but adults need substantially more room than the legacy 250 L placeholder.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
22–26 °C
pH
6.2–7.5
GH
2–15 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Bottom
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
Small fish
Bioload factor
3.2
Nocturnal/crepuscular catfish that uses caves and cover. Can become territorial with other bottom-dwelling Synodontis and may consume small fish.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Caution
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
No / caution
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
Yes
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
350 L
Minimum footprint
150 × 50 cm
Accepted scientific name
Synodontis eupterus
Alternative names
Featherfin Catfish, Featherfin Squeaker, Synodontis Eupterus, Synodontis macrepipterus
Native range
White Nile, Chad, Niger and Volta river basins in tropical Africa.
Natural habitat
River and floodplain habitats. Provide large caves, wood/rock cover, dimmer retreats, moderate current and strong filtration.
Diet & feeding
Feed varied sinking foods including quality catfish pellets, invertebrate/frozen foods and some vegetable matter.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
External sexing is unreliable; mature females may be fuller-bodied, with vent/genital examination more useful than colour.
Breeding
Oviparous; routine captive spawning in normal community aquaria is poorly documented.