Cuckoo Synodontis

Synodontis petricola

Also known as: Dwarf Petricola, Pygmy Leopard Catfish

A peaceful, spotted Tanganyikan catfish ideal for African cichlid tanks.

Water

Freshwater

Temperature

75–82°F

pH

7.8–9

Hardness

10–25 dGH

Max size

4.5 in

Min tank

30 gal

Temperament

Peaceful

Social

Social (3+)

Swim level

Bottom

Diet

Omnivore

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

10-15 years

Breeding

Egg-scatterer

Suitability

Common

Origin

Lake Tanganyika (Africa)

One of the few small, genuinely peaceful Synodontis, perfectly matched to the hard, alkaline water of Rift Lake cichlid setups. Keep a group of three or more. Active and long-lived, with attractive leopard spotting.