Petricola Synodontis Catfish

fish description – Petricola Synodontis Catfish Care Guide ($Synodontis\ petricola$)

Category	Detail
Scientific Name	$Synodontis\ petricola$
Common Name	Petricola Synodontis, Dwarf Lake Synodontis, Pygmy Leopard Catfish
Origin	Rocky shorelines of Lake Tanganyika (Africa)
Adult Size	4–5 inches (10–12 cm)
Temperament	Peaceful, highly social, active bottom-dweller
Lifespan	5–10 years
Care Level	Easy (requires specific high $\text{pH}$ water)

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Appearance and Sexual Differences

 

• Short Description: A small, speckled catfish with a compressed body and long barbels. Its body is covered in numerous, irregular dark spots on a lighter base, and its fins (dorsal, pectoral, caudal) have crisp white or silver tips, giving it a sharp, clean appearance.
• Coloration: Light brown/grey body with dark spots. The distinct white fin tips are a key identifier. Females are noticeably rounder and heavier-bodied, especially when viewed from above and carrying eggs. Males are generally slimmer.
• Fins: Prominent spines on the dorsal and pectoral fins (handle with extreme caution).
• Behavior: Highly gregarious and should be kept in groups to feel secure and active. They are often seen out and about during the day, foraging among the rocks and substrate. They are known for a unique, parasitic breeding strategy in the wild (laying eggs among mouthbrooding cichlids).

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Tank Requirements and Water Parameters

 

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons (110 liters) is the recommended minimum for a small group. A larger tank (55 gallons+) is ideal for a full school and a multi-species African Rift Lake setup.
• Schooling: Must be kept in a group of at least 4–6 individuals; larger groups are preferred. They can become shy and reclusive if kept alone.
• Temperature: Tropical range: $75^\circ$–$82^\circ\text{F}\ (24^\circ$–$28^\circ\text{C})$. Stability is important.
• pH Level: Hard, alkaline conditions are essential: 7.8 to 8.6. This is a requirement dictated by their native Lake Tanganyika habitat. Low $\text{pH}$ water should be avoided.
• Aquascape: Requires a soft sand substrate to protect their sensitive barbels. Decorate heavily with piled rocks and rocky caves to create ample hiding and exploration sites, mimicking the rocky shorelines of Lake Tanganyika. Robust, hardy plants (Anubias) that tolerate high $\text{pH}$ can be used. Requires efficient filtration and well-oxygenated water.

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Diet and Feeding

 

The Petricola Synodontis is an omnivorous scavenger with a hearty appetite.

• Staple Diet: Accepts all sinking foods. Use high-quality sinking catfish pellets/granules as the staple diet.
• Supplementation: Offer a varied diet of meat and vegetable matter. They eagerly consume frozen or live foods: Bloodworms, Brine Shrimp, Mysis Shrimp, and Daphnia. Supplement with sinking algae wafers and occasional vegetable matter.
• Schedule: Feed once daily, preferably in the evening/night, as they are more active then. They are voracious eaters, so ensure they get enough food before faster mid-water fish consume it all.

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Compatibility

 

• Caution: Though peaceful, they are opportunistic and will eat any fish or fry smaller than 1.2 inches. Handle carefully, as their spines can get caught in nets or pierce skin.
• Good Tank Mates: Peaceful to semi-aggressive fish that share their hard, alkaline water requirements. Examples include African Rift Lake Cichlids (e.g., smaller, peaceful Julidochromis, Neolamprologus), Rainbowfish, and larger, robust Tetras or Barbs.