Product Details

Petricola Catfish – Synodontis petricola

Overview:

The Petricola Catfish is a beautifully marked Lake Tanganyika catfish with a dark spotted body, pale-edged fins and the lively, upside-down-style swimming behaviour typical of many Synodontis. Also known as the Cuckoo Catfish, Dwarf Tanganyikan Synodontis or Petricola Synodontis, Synodontis petricola is a superb choice for hard-water African cichlid aquariums and specialist Tanganyikan communities. It is peaceful with suitable tank mates, but it is active, nocturnal and best kept in a group with plenty of rockwork and hiding places.

Key Identification:

Common Name: Petricola Catfish
Other Names: Cuckoo Catfish, Dwarf Petricola Catfish, Dwarf Tanganyikan Synodontis, Petricola Synodontis, False Cuckoo Catfish
Scientific Name: Synodontis petricola
Fish Type: Synodontis Catfish / Squeaker Catfish
Water Type: Freshwater

Natural Range & Habitat:

The Petricola Catfish is native to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. FishBase records Synodontis petricola from the lake and notes that it is found among rocks.

In nature, this means the fish is associated with rocky shorelines, crevices and hard, alkaline water. In the aquarium, it should be provided with piles of smooth rock, caves, shaded retreats and open areas for swimming. Seriously Fish recommends a Lake Tanganyika-style setup with rock piles forming caves, plus some open water.

Appearance & Adult Size:

Petricola Catfish have a compact, slightly arched body with a dark base colour covered in pale spots. The fins are especially attractive, usually showing dark centres with bright white edging, particularly on the dorsal, caudal and pectoral fins. The long barbels are used to search through rockwork and substrate for food.

Adults usually reach around 10–12 cm, although some aquarium sources list larger sizes up to around 14–15 cm. FishBase gives a maximum size of 10.2 cm TL, while Fishkeeper lists a maximum of 14.5 cm. Females are often fuller-bodied than males when mature.

Aquarium Suitability:

This species is ideal for a mature Lake Tanganyika cichlid aquarium, hard-water community or specialist African setup. It is not suitable for soft acidic aquariums, small nano tanks or delicate slow-moving communities. Rockwork should be secure and arranged to create multiple caves and crevices, as these catfish like to shelter during the day and become more active at feeding time or after lights dim.

Recommended Aquarium Size:

A practical minimum is 120 litres for a small group, with 180 litres or more preferred for Tanganyikan community aquariums or larger groups. A tank length of at least 90 cm is recommended, especially when keeping them with cichlids. Provide more caves than catfish so individuals can choose their own hiding spots.

Water Conditions:

Temperature: 24–26°C
pH: 7.8–8.8
Hardness: Hard to very hard preferred
Additional Notes: Hard, alkaline water is essential for long-term care. FishBase lists S. petricola at pH 8.0–9.0, hardness 9–19 dH and 22–25°C, while Fishkeeper recommends pH 7.8–8.8, hardness 15–25 dH and 24–26°C. Maintain strong filtration, high oxygenation and regular water changes.

Temperament & Tank Mates:

Aquarium Category: Community Fish

Petricola Catfish are generally peaceful, but they are active, opportunistic catfish and should be kept with fish that suit hard, alkaline water. Suitable tank mates include Tanganyikan cichlids such as Neolamprologus, Julidochromis, Altolamprologus and shell-dwellers in suitably arranged aquariums, as well as other robust hard-water fish.

Avoid soft-water tetras, delicate Cory-type catfish, tiny fish, shrimp and slow fish that may be stressed or outcompeted. Very small fry may be eaten. They are best kept in a group of at least 3–5, with larger groups often showing more natural activity where space allows.

Feeding:

Petricola Catfish are omnivorous and feed readily once settled. Offer quality sinking catfish pellets, small carnivore pellets, spirulina-based tablets and bottom-feeder foods as the staple. Supplement with frozen or live foods such as brineshrimp, daphnia, bloodworm, mysis, cyclops and chopped prawn. Include some vegetable or algae-based foods for balance.

Feed after lights dim if cichlids are taking most of the food before it reaches the bottom.

Behaviour in the Aquarium:

This is an active rock-dwelling catfish that often rests in caves by day and emerges strongly at feeding time. It may swim upside down or at unusual angles while exploring rockwork, which is normal for Synodontis. Groups can be very entertaining, chasing, displaying and weaving through caves. Tropical Fish Hobbyist describes S. petricola as active and interesting, often hiding at times but also chasing and displaying with one another.

Care Notes:

Keep in hard, alkaline water and avoid soft acidic community conditions. Provide secure rockwork with many caves, but make sure stones cannot collapse if the catfish dig underneath. Do not keep singly where possible, as groups are more confident and natural. Maintain excellent water quality, as Lake Tanganyika fish dislike unstable or dirty conditions. Be aware that many fish sold as “Petricola” may actually be Synodontis lucipinnis, so supplier identification and realistic adult size should be checked.

Recommended For:

Beginner to intermediate

Availability:

Common to occasional / Captive-bred or imported Tanganyikan catfish

Image Disclaimer:

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, colour, pattern and markings can occur between individual fish.