Synodontis Catfish

Synodontis spp.

Also known as: Featherfin squeaker, Squeaker catfish, Synodontis

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 22–28°C
• pH: 7–8.5
• Hardness (GH): 143–357 ppm (8–20 dGH)

Values above are general hardness (GH). For carbonate hardness (KH), the buffer that keeps pH stable, see the water parameters guide.

Care Summary

A genus of African catfish prized for hardiness, longevity, and character, and the standard clean-up and companion fish for rift-lake cichlid aquariums. Several species are sold simply as 'synodontis': the featherfin squeaker with its tall, lace-like dorsal fin; the dwarf Tanganyikan petricola and lucipinnis; and the cuckoo synodontis, a remarkable brood parasite that tricks mouthbrooding cichlids into raising its young. They squeak audibly when handled (hence 'squeaker') and several swim and feed upside down. Long-lived and tough, a synodontis is a decades-long companion that asks only for hard alkaline water, caves to shelter in, and tankmates too large to be eaten overnight. An excellent and underrated choice for keepers of African cichlids or robust hard-water communities, which describes a good deal of Australian tap water. Check the adult size of the specific species before buying, as it ranges from under 10cm to over 25cm.

Tankmates

A hardy, nocturnal, bottom-dwelling catfish most often kept as a robust scavenger in African cichlid tanks, where its armour and attitude let it hold its own among boisterous mbuna like the electric yellow. The commonly-sold species vary widely in size and habit: the featherfin (Synodontis eupterus) is a riverine fish reaching around 20cm, while the dwarf Tanganyikan species (S. lucipinnis, S. petricola) stay near 9cm and are sociable in groups of three or more. All are opportunistic feeders that hunt small fish and shrimp after dark, so they cannot be trusted with nano fish or dwarf shrimp. Their alkaline, hard-water preference suits both rift-lake setups and much of Australia's hard tap water. Provide caves and dim or nocturnal viewing to see them active.

Compatible with

• Electric Yellow Cichlid
• Bristlenose Pleco
• Boeseman's Rainbowfish
• Peacock Cichlid
• Shell-Dwelling Cichlid
• Demasoni Cichlid

Avoid keeping with

• Betta
• Neon Tetra
• Ember Tetra
• Chili Rasbora
• Cherry Shrimp
• Amano Shrimp

Common Problems

• predation on small fish and shrimp after dark
• size and identification varying widely between species sold as 'synodontis'
• shyness without caves or dim lighting
• incompatibility with soft-water community tanks

Sources: seriouslyfish.com, fishbase.org · Last updated: 2026-06-20