• Found in Africa, specifically in the Niger River Basin, Chad Basin, and White Nile Basin.
• Prefers slow-moving rivers, lakes, and floodplains with sandy or muddy substrates.
• Often hides in caves, under logs, or among dense vegetation during the day.

Size:

• Can grow up to 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) in length.

Coloration & Markings:

• Typically brownish-gray with darker spots or marbling.
• Juveniles have more prominent patterns that fade slightly as they mature.

Fin Structure:

• The dorsal fin is elongated and feathery, giving the species its name.
• Long whisker-like barbels help them locate food in murky waters.

Lifespan:

• Can live up to 15 years with proper care.

Temperament:

• Peaceful but semi-territorial—mostly avoids conflict but may guard its space.
• Active at night (nocturnal), hiding during the day.
• Can make squeaking noises by rubbing its pectoral fins together.

Social Behavior:

• Can be kept alone or in small groups (3+ individuals to reduce aggression).
• Gets along well with most medium to large community fish.

Tank Size:

• 50+ gallons for a single fish.
• 75+ gallons if housing multiple or larger tank mates.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
• pH: 6.5-7.5
• Water Hardness: Moderate

Tank Setup:

• Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel to protect barbels.
• Decor: Caves, driftwood, and rock structures for hiding.
• Lighting: Dim or shaded areas preferred.
• Filtration: Strong filtration required as they produce moderate waste.

Omnivorous Diet:

• In the wild, they eat small invertebrates, algae, and detritus.
• In captivity, they thrive on a varied diet, including:
  • High-quality sinking pellets
  • Frozen or live foods: Bloodworms, brine shrimp, blackworms
  • Vegetable matter: Blanched spinach, zucchini, algae wafers

Feeding Schedule:

• Feed once or twice daily, preferably in the evening when they are most active.

Reproduction in the Wild:

• Not well-documented, but they likely spawn in flooded areas or dense vegetation.

Captivity Breeding:

• Extremely difficult to breed in home aquariums.
• Requires specific environmental triggers, such as seasonal flooding conditions.

Compatible Tank Mates:

• Other peaceful to semi-aggressive fish of similar size.
• Ideal companions include:
  • African Cichlids (like Peacocks and Haps)
  • Other Synodontis Catfish
  • Plecos and Larger Tetras
  • Medium-sized Barbs

Avoid:

• Very small fish (e.g., Neon Tetras, Guppies) – may be eaten.
• Overly aggressive fish (e.g., Red Devils, Oscars) – may stress or attack the Featherfin.

• Found in Africa, specifically in the Niger River Basin, Chad Basin, and White Nile Basin.
• Prefers slow-moving rivers, lakes, and floodplains with sandy or muddy substrates.
• Often hides in caves, under logs, or among dense vegetation during the day.

Size:

• Can grow up to 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) in length.

Coloration & Markings:

• Typically brownish-gray with darker spots or marbling.
• Juveniles have more prominent patterns that fade slightly as they mature.

Fin Structure:

• The dorsal fin is elongated and feathery, giving the species its name.
• Long whisker-like barbels help them locate food in murky waters.

Lifespan:

• Can live up to 15 years with proper care.

Temperament:

• Peaceful but semi-territorial—mostly avoids conflict but may guard its space.
• Active at night (nocturnal), hiding during the day.
• Can make squeaking noises by rubbing its pectoral fins together.

Social Behavior:

• Can be kept alone or in small groups (3+ individuals to reduce aggression).
• Gets along well with most medium to large community fish.

Tank Size:

• 50+ gallons for a single fish.
• 75+ gallons if housing multiple or larger tank mates.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
• pH: 6.5-7.5
• Water Hardness: Moderate

Tank Setup:

• Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel to protect barbels.
• Decor: Caves, driftwood, and rock structures for hiding.
• Lighting: Dim or shaded areas preferred.
• Filtration: Strong filtration required as they produce moderate waste.

Omnivorous Diet:

• In the wild, they eat small invertebrates, algae, and detritus.
• In captivity, they thrive on a varied diet, including:
  • High-quality sinking pellets
  • Frozen or live foods: Bloodworms, brine shrimp, blackworms
  • Vegetable matter: Blanched spinach, zucchini, algae wafers

Feeding Schedule:

• Feed once or twice daily, preferably in the evening when they are most active.

Reproduction in the Wild:

• Not well-documented, but they likely spawn in flooded areas or dense vegetation.

Captivity Breeding:

• Extremely difficult to breed in home aquariums.
• Requires specific environmental triggers, such as seasonal flooding conditions.

Compatible Tank Mates:

• Other peaceful to semi-aggressive fish of similar size.
• Ideal companions include:
  • African Cichlids (like Peacocks and Haps)
  • Other Synodontis Catfish
  • Plecos and Larger Tetras
  • Medium-sized Barbs

Avoid:

• Very small fish (e.g., Neon Tetras, Guppies) – may be eaten.
• Overly aggressive fish (e.g., Red Devils, Oscars) – may stress or attack the Featherfin.