Featherfin catfish

I have a question, my featherfin catfish about 150mm top fin seemed to be eaten or broken off. Now i know it is not the severums . I have 3 redtail bothia's , do u think they might be the aggresors? Or maybe the featherfin got stuck somewhere? I know that he/she sometimes pull the heater from the cradle...

 

Most likely the redtail botias. They are pretty agro and are often usually kept in a species only tank.

 

Firefly, thanks for the help, Do u think I must get rid of the 3 Red tailed Botias? I bought them to help to clean the bottom of the tank. I have a 1000l with severums (9) , 2 Plecos, one featherfin catfish. Anyone out there who have a simular problem?
Eish, I like the Botia's....but my featherfin also....

 

Featherfin Catfish (Synodontis eupterus) Scientific Name(s): Synodontis eupterus

Common Name(s): Featherfin Catfish, Featherfin Synodontis, Sqeaker Catfish, Sqeaker synodontis

Family: Mochokidae

Species Type: African Catfish

Maximum Size: 8 inches

Life Span: 18 years

Natural Habitat: African Rivers (White Nile)

Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons

Tank Region: Bottom.

Possible Tank Mates: Gobies, african cichlids and other synodontis work well but many other community fish should do just fine.

Description: The Feather Fin Catfish is a fish for long time aquarists. It is a fun fish to have, but difficult to care for. It gets its name from the wonderful dorsal fin, which rays out, much like a fan. While not always true, the Feather Fin Catfish can require a lot of work to maintain. Feather Fin Catfish, also known as Cat Synodontis Eupterus, Featherfin Synodontis, and Featherfin Squeaker, in general, will not like to share a tank with other fish. They have been known to be very territorial, especially when breeding. There are fish that they might be able to coexist with, however. These include large African Cichlids, as they are equally aggressive. Also, they will sometimes get along with other catfish. Feather Fin Catfish get large, so keep them in large tanks. Also, they like lots of rocks and caves to hide in, as well as moderate plant decoration. Feather Fin Catfish like live plants, and will not bother them. At maturity, the Feather Fin Catfish will grow to a size from five to eight inches. Also, these fish have long life spans. There have been reports of these fish living for 18 years. Young Feather Fin Catfish will have a brown marble with black stripes pattern, while adults will develop into a dull gray color with brown spots. As mentioned before, the Feather Fin Catfish has a beautiful dorsal fin, which rays out, much like a fan.

 

hmm sorry to hear about that but the Red tailed Botias you made mentioned of, what color are they? cos when my friend google shows me the pictures.
it shows up in the millions.
If im not mistaken, they are nippers, to name the "skunk" botias (if someone can correct me)

I have a feather Fin aswell - my wife does not like it at all, brought him/her as a baby at like 4cm and now its a whooping 15cm or so.
its a pig! I dont see it often cos it keeps on hiding, and does not come out when we feed the others.
Its like the biggest fish we have now, but i know he/she is friendly and wont terror other fishes, but will get bullied by my BGK(black ghost knife)

 

The Botia's have a red tail with black/grey body. My Featherfin is also about 150 to 160mm with a big boepens!! He/she sleeps upside down in a cave....I can assosiate myself with the fish as it is just snorre and boepens...lol

 

The red tail blackish body ones should be more friendly but it might still chase it. also you made mention to a cave, would it be that it might get a fright
or be bullied and damage its own "dorsal" - shark music please- from this cave?
Cos I know my fetherfin will dash very quickly back to its (cave, made from a broken vase) when I switch on the light.
That the only thing i can think of maybe hurting him/her then.

on a side note, my featherfin will push the BGK out of its cave (litrally) and the BGK will bite back just trying to get in just funny
how these 2 want the same little cave. the bitting has no ill effect on the catfish tho.
The Coco nut huts are too small for any of these fish to hide in now.. guess time to get some clay! and make some houses for them.

 

BBQ, yes..we are black we are white, we are dynamite!! here in Polokwane is a special for "Bloubull Steak" LOL. I think he/she must have damaged himself during the game..lol The other thing, just by reading the posts and trying to be safe i now switch off the heaters when touching the water..but bloody hell, this is the second time I forgot them...this morning the water was at 15 degrees c....I did not lose any fish...but still...old age is not for sissies hey!!!!