Featherfin Catfish

Synodontis eupterus

Featherfin Catfish is a peaceful bottom-dwelling fish. Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.

PeacefulBottom dwellerSolitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional contextIntermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Need help with Featherfin Catfish?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 11.8" (≤ 30 cm)
Aquarium size: 132 US gal (500 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom dweller
Temperature: 72–81°F (22–27°C)
pH: 6–7.5
GH: 8–20 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 8 years
Group behavior: Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 8 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 132 US gal (500 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 22–27 °C, pH 6–7.5, GH 8–20 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Featherfin Catfish is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the bottom area, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Featherfin Catfish should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Offer sinking prepared foods and varied invertebrate/vegetable supplements; distribute food near refuges for shy individuals.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 132 US gal (500 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Niger Nigeria Sudan.

Important notes

Adults may become territorial toward similar catfish and may eat small fish; a fixed minimum group of five is not established.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Blue Eyed Plecostomus Panaque cochliodon Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 11.8" (≤ 30 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Asian Upside Down Catfish Mystus leucophasis Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 11.8" (≤ 30 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) African Butterfly Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) Banded Archerfish Toxotes jaculatrix Similar care level Same temperament Similar diet Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 11.8" (≤ 30 cm) 77–86°F (25–30°C) Batman Betta Betta persephone Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Black Ghost Knifefish Apteronotus albifrons Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 19.7" (≤ 50 cm) 73–82°F (23–28°C)

FAQ

How large does Featherfin Catfish get?

Featherfin Catfish reaches ≤ 11.8" (≤ 30 cm). Allow for adult swimming space, filtration, and compatible companions.

What aquarium size does Featherfin Catfish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 132 US gal (500 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.

Is Featherfin Catfish peaceful?

Yes. Featherfin Catfish is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Featherfin Catfish?

Keep it between 22 to 27 °C.

Should Featherfin Catfish be kept alone or in a group?

Featherfin Catfish: Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.