Quick answer: how big do they get
The petricola catfish (Synodontis petricola) is a fairly small member of its genus. Retailers and care sheets generally give an adult size of roughly 4 to 5 inches (10 to 12 cm), and some sources mention individuals reaching a little over 5 inches (about 14 cm). Treat the upper figure as an exception rather than the norm. Wild fish and well-fed captive fish can differ.
What is the Synodontis petricola
Synodontis petricola comes from Lake Tanganyika in Africa. It is sold under several common names, including petricola catfish, dwarf petricola, leopard catfish and dwarf cuckoo catfish. The “cuckoo” nickname causes confusion, because the true cuckoo catfish is a different, larger species. See our cuckoo catfish care guide for the comparison.
It has a spotted body and dark fins edged in white, and like many Synodontis it is known to swim upside down at times and to make squeaking noises when handled.
Growth and lifespan
Young fish are commonly sold at around an inch or two and grow gradually. Care sheets suggest that with stable water and a good diet, they can live for many years, with figures around ten years mentioned by retailers. These are estimates rather than guarantees.
Temperament: are petricola catfish aggressive
Generally, no. They are described as peaceful toward fish too large to eat, and they do not usually bother plants. A few points are worth knowing:
- They are mostly nocturnal but often become active in the day once settled with plenty of cover.
- Small fish can be seen as food, since they are predators of small invertebrates and may swallow tiny tank mates.
- Squabbling can occur among Synodontis, especially in small groups or cramped tanks, so give each fish a cave.
Are they good pets
They are often considered a good choice for aquarists who already keep African cichlids, because they tolerate hard, alkaline water and are active for a catfish. They are less ideal for soft-water community tanks and are sensitive to declining water quality, so regular water changes matter. They are hardier than many catfish, but not a beginner fish in every setup.
Tank size and setup
Recommendations vary by seller, from around 30 gallons (about 115 litres) to 150 litres or more for a group. A larger tank is the safer choice for a group of three or more.
- Use sand or smooth fine gravel.
- Add rocks, caves and driftwood.
- Provide good filtration and moderate flow.
- Typical guidance is a temperature of about 24 to 28 C (75 to 82 F) and a pH of about 7.5 to 8.5, though tank-bred fish may adapt to other conditions.
Tank mates
Good tank mates include other Lake Tanganyika cichlids and robust fish of similar size. Avoid very small fish that could fit in the mouth, and avoid very aggressive tank mates. If you are choosing between catfish, the stone catfish care guide covers a much smaller bottom-dweller.
Feeding
They are omnivores that lean toward meaty foods. Accepted foods include sinking pellets or wafers, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia, plus occasional vegetable matter. Make sure food reaches the bottom, and vary the diet.
Breeding
Breeding in aquariums is possible but not easy. Reports mention behaviour similar to the cuckoo catfish, where eggs may be laid among those of mouthbrooding cichlids. Success in a home tank is uncommon, and tank-bred fish for sale are often produced by specialist breeders.
FAQ
Are petricola catfish aggressive? Usually peaceful with suitably sized tank mates, though they may be territorial with other catfish.
How to breed petricola catfish? Provide caves, stable alkaline water and a group. Success is reported but not reliable.
What is the Synodontis petricola catfish? A small Lake Tanganyika catfish with a spotted body, often sold as the dwarf cuckoo or leopard catfish.