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Quick Facts

Scientific Name : Synodontis eupterus

Size : Up to 20 cm

Diet : Usual foods 

Water Conditions : 22 - 26 ºC; pH 6.5 - 7.5; dH 0-10

Care Level : Easy

Reproduction : Egg layer

 

Synodontis eupterus
       
Synodontis eupterus originates from the freshwaters of Africa. It is also known as the Featherfin catfish, because of its beautiful large sail-like dotted dorsal fin, with each ray extending into long filaments, and this makes it unique from the rest. The featherfin belongs to the family of Mochokidae, in which many of them swim upside-down, & featherfin is one of those that adopts this unusual mode of swimming. 

 

Its body pattern changes gradually from its juvenile to adult stage. Its juveniles have a yellowish body covered with irregular winding dark lines (see above picture), which gradually breaks up into a spotted pattern (see picture on the right). It is not easy to differentiate between the male & female at the juvenile stage, but when they reach adulthood, the male is usually more slender than the females.

The featherfin catfish used to be only wild caught, but now it is successfully bred in Asia. Basically, after some courtship, the males will release their sperms to fertilize the eggs, which the females carry. The fertilized eggs are then left to hatch. The adults do not take care of its spawn. The eggs will hatch in about a week & become free-swimming in about 4-5 days.            

It is not a choosy eater. As a catfish, the featherfin is quite hardy & can accommodate to a variety of water conditions & tank mates. Though they are basically peaceful fish, they can be territorial sometimes. They are best kept with fish of similar size & temperament, but it is not advisable to put them together with fin-nippers. 

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