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Commonly known as "Synodontis cats" or "upside-down cats" these African catfish are recognised by the local population as "squeakers" owing to the noise they make when lifted out of the water.

There are over 150 species in this family and they are noted for their feathered barbels and unique shape which separates them from all other catfish. They make very hardy inmates of an aquarium and the vast majority are peaceful apart from territorial skirmishes. Adipose fin usually very large; anal fin with fewer than 10 rays; dorsal and pectoral fin spines usually strong and with a locking mechanism; three pairs of barbels, nasal barbels absent and mandibular barbels may have numerous branches; some with lips and part of barbels modified into an oral sucker (Atopochilus, Chiloglanis, and Euchilichthys).

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