Can Featherfin catfish live alone?

Where do Featherfin squeakers live?

In their natural habitat, Featherfin Squeakers live in small groups near the bottom of moderately fast flowing muddy or rocky bottomed rivers where they prey on insect larvae and vegetable matter.

What is a featherfin squeaker catfish?

A much deeper-bodied synodontis, the Synodontis eupterus is also known as the featherfin squeaker because of its beautiful feathered dorsal fin and the fact that it can produce a high-pitched squeaking with it. These fish grow up to 20 centimeters, though 15 to 17 is more common. They have been reported as being more aggressive than other catfish.

What kind of fish is a featherfin squeaker?

The featherfin squeaker ( Synodontis eupterus) or featherfin synodontis is a species of Synodontis catfish. This species is found in the basins of the White Nile, Volta and Niger Rivers and the Chad Basin. Also known simply as featherfin catfish. Featherfin squeakers are called such due to their ability to make noises to communicate…

Where do featherfin catfish live in Africa?

This species is found in the basins of the White Nile, Volta and Niger Rivers and the Chad Basin. Also known simply as featherfin catfish. Featherfin squeakers are called such due to their ability to make noises to communicate with one another and also for their high feather-like fin which is valued by many hobbyists.

What size tank do I need for a featherfin squeaker?

A minimum 50 gallon aquarium is recommended for a full sized Featherfin Squeaker. This Synodontis catfish enjoys a tank with lots of hiding places, particularly driftwood. They have fun chasing each other around all the tunnels and holes, while feeling secure under the driftwood.

Is a featherfin squeaker a hardy fish?

The Featherfin Squeaker perfectly fits the definition of a hardy fish. Featherfins can withstand a variety of water conditions, food types, and tank mates. They are survivors and very few of the common beginner mistakes adversely effects them.

Why do featherfin catfish Squeak?

Another name for these fish is the Featherfin squeaker catfish. This is because they tend to make a squeaking sound to communicate with other fish of the same species. Featherfin catfish are accustomed to being in dark caves, making it essential for them to be able to communicate via noise.

Why is it called a squeaker fish?

They are called squeakers because they produce a squeaking sound as a warning to both predators and competitors during spawning time. The squeaking is accomplished by rubbing the spines of its pectoral fins into grooves on its shoulders. Other common names they are known by include Featherfin Catfish and Featherfin Synodontis.

Will the African catfish go extinct?

When a fish geneticist E Swartz went to sample these fish, he found very few but found large numbers of African Catfish. This has already led to the decline of the species and could ultimately spell localized extinction (Cambray, 2003).

Where do catfish live in Africa?

The African catfish is the most widely distributed fish in Africa. Its native range extends from South Africa through central, west and north Africa into the Middle East and eastern Europe. It is indigenous to many rivers from the Nile to the Orange River.

How often should I change the water in my featherfin squeaker?

Water Changes: Bi-weekly – Bi-Weekly water changes of 10 – 15% are recommended to keep the tank from becoming heavily fouled. A minimum 50 gallon aquarium is recommended for a full sized Featherfin Squeaker. This Synodontis catfish enjoys a tank with lots of hiding places, particularly driftwood.

What does a featherfin squeaker fish look like?

Their bodies are usually spotted or patterned with brown, black, and sometimes a dark gray. Because Featherfin Squeakers can range greatly in color, they are frequently confused with similar Synodontis species and are often sold as a completely different species by inexperienced tropical fish keeping enthusiasts.

Why is The featherfin catfish called a squeaker?

Like their well-known relatives, the Upside-Down Catfish Synodontis nigriventris, the featherfin can swim upside down at will. They are called squeakers because they produce a squeaking sound as a warning to both predators and competitors during spawning time.

What is the lifespan of a featherfin squeaker?

The Featherfin Squeaker is fairly large and a long-lived catfish. It can get up to 11.8 inches (30 cm) in length, though they usually only obtain 6 – 8” (15-20 cm) in the aquarium. They commonly have a lifespan of 8 to 10 years, but there are reports of them living up to 25 years.

What is the sound of a fish called?

Answer: Some animals have a special name for their sounds. A sheep bleats, for example, a duck quacks, a crow caws, and a dog barks. Fish are simply said to make or produce sounds, unless a specific fish is being discussed. Other words such as grunt or hum may then be used to describe the sound.

Why is the Synodontis called a squeaker catfish?

Synodontis are known as squeaker catfish because they produce a squeaking sound by rubbing the spines of the pectoral fins into grooves on the shoulders. They use this sound as a warning to both predators and competitors during spawning time. Like their relatives the Upside-Down Catfish, they can also swim upside down at will.

How big do catfish get in South Africa?

The African catfish is a dominant freshwater fish. It can grow to between 1.4 and 2m long and can weigh anything from 8kgs to 59kgs. The South African angling record is 35 kgs, however a 58.9kg specimen was caught in the Vaal River.

Is the catfish an ecological problem species?

The catfish has been reported as a severe ecological problem species. Native fishes to Brazil have been recorded in its diet and there is concern that it could modify the biotic balances of the native fish and invertebrate communities.

Can African catfish be farmed?

Due to articles in the public arena about the advantages of farming African Catfish, many aquaculture and fish farmers turned to stocking the Catfish. Due to its great ability to move overland and breathe air, the escape of this species from one water body to another is almost certain (Cambray, 2003).

Are African catfish suitable for fish farming?

These breeds are highly adaptive to the African climate and are very suitable candidates for fish farming. The African Catfish can survive for long periods outside water due to its amazing ability to breathe air directly from the atmosphere.

What does a featherfin catfish look like?

The Featherfin Catfish develops an attractive high-backed shape as it ages, which nicely shows of the large, feathered dorsal fin. Older fish have finer and more numerous spots and fin stripes. The Featherfin Catfish is tolerant of a wide range of aquarium conditions provided it is given plenty of dark hiding spots and a fine substrate.