Cameroon featherbeard catfish - Synodontis velifer - 4cm

The very decorative featherbeard catfish, Synodontos velifer, is a comrade for rather larger aquariums. Synodontis velifer originates from Africa, especially the Ivory Coast, as well as stream areas of the Bandama, Coimoe, Sasandra and Volta. Here it inhabits hidden plant stands or caves mainly during the day. At night the crepuscular Synodontis, like almost all of its genus, goes foraging. A similar species with an elongated dorsal fin is Synodontis eupterus.

There are currently no current reports on the breeding of the Cameroon Featherback Catfish in the aquarium.

Even a small group of this species, which can grow up to 16 cm, needs an aquarium with an edge length of at least 150 cm. The  substrate should be fine sand or soft gravel with dense planting in places. Here the attention should be above all on robust and  larger plants as for example Echinodorus and Vallisneria lie. Roots, as well as larger stones and caves should be well structured everywhere in the aquarium, these serve as  hiding places and resting places during the day. As a rather crepuscular catfish, feeding should be done just before the lights are turned off. The water for Synodontis velifer can be in the medium hard range.

For the socialization of Synodontis velifer rather larger and calm fishes are suitable, such as West African cichlids or also Congo tetras. Smaller fish are regarded as food by the adult Synodontis velifer during the night and are preyed upon.  Therefore the socialization with crayfish and shrimps is not suitable.

As an omnivore, the Cameroon Pinniped Catfish is not particularly picky, but prefers animal food. In the aquarium it can be fed with various commercial foods such as food tablets and chips, but also with live and frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, enchytrae and grindalworms. However, the vegetable portion such as scalded cucumbers, peppers, potatoes and zucchini should also not be neglected.

Our feed recommendation: The NatureHolic Catfishfeed for all aufwuchs feeding sucking catfish in the aquarium is a balanced tablet food, which does not cloud the water and the fish like to eat. The catfish tablets also contain NatureHolic active ingredient complexes that provide sucker catfish with everything they need for a strong immune system, healthy growth and great, contrasting coloration. As a snack, supplementary food or vacation food we recommend the CatfishPlates.

Our plant recommendation: Use for planting NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planarians and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend for fish keeping the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.