Featherfin Squeaker (Siluriformes sp.) in a freshwater aquarium
Varies carePeacefulMid dwellerAfrica

Featherfin Squeaker

Siluriformes sp.

The Featherfin Squeaker (Siluriformes sp.) is a peaceful fish that's rewarding to keep. Give it a tank of at least 170 litres (45 US gallons), water held at 72-81°F, and a pH of 6.5-7.5.

Care levelVaries
TemperamentPeaceful
Min tank size45 US gal
pH range6.5-7.5
Temperature72-81°F
Max size7.9 in (20.0 cm)
Captive lifespan8-16 years
SchoolingNo
Share

Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.

Natural distribution

Africa

  • Africa

Regional colours match the stocking calculator's origin map.

Featherfin Squeaker Tank Setup

A tank of at least 170 litres (45 US gallons) works well. Keep the water at 72-81°F with a pH around 6.5-7.5, and set up both cover and open swimming space where they spend most of their time (Mid). They reach about 20 cm as adults, so don't be misled by the small juveniles sold in stores.

What Do Featherfin Squeakers Eat?

They're not fussy eaters - feed a varied diet, rotating good-quality dry, frozen, and gel foods rather than the same thing every day, and match the food size to their mouths.

Featherfin Squeaker Tank Mates

The Featherfin Squeaker is peaceful, which is the first thing to weigh up when you choose tank mates. At around 20 cm fully grown, it needs tank mates that can hold their own against its size and appetite. Before you buy, run your full stocking list through our stocking calculator. It weighs temperament, adult size, and water needs together, which a single species page can't do on its own.

Are Featherfin Squeakers Good for Beginners?

Care demand varies by line and setup. Match the care level to how often you actually test and change water.

Featherfin Squeaker - frequently asked questions

What size tank do Featherfin Squeakers need?

Featherfin Squeakers need a tank of at least 170 litres (45 US gallons). A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable, and gives them more room to settle in and behave naturally.

What water parameters do Featherfin Squeakers need?

Keep them at 72-81°F with a pH of 6.5-7.5, steady rather than chased to an exact figure. In a cycled tank, ammonia and nitrite should both read 0 ppm, with nitrate kept low through regular water changes.

What do Featherfin Squeakers eat?

Featherfin Squeakers are omnivores and aren't fussy eaters. Feed a varied mix of good-quality dry, frozen, and gel foods, and match the food size to their mouths. Feed small amounts once or twice a day, and remove anything they don't eat.

Are Featherfin Squeakers good for beginners?

It depends on the setup. Match Featherfin Squeakers to how often you actually test water and perform maintenance.

Common mistakes with Featherfin Squeakers

  • Underestimating tank size - the minimum footprint is 170 litres (45 US gallons); impulse buying into a smaller tank leads to stress and shortened lifespan.

Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.

Fish to avoid mixing with Featherfin Squeakers

These well-known species are commonly sold alongside this fish but are not recommended tank mates - verify before purchasing.

  • OscarPredator - Oscar will eat or injure smaller tank mates
  • Pea PufferPredator - Pea Puffer will eat or injure smaller tank mates
  • Betta (Male)Predator - Betta (Male) will eat or injure smaller tank mates