Petricola Catfish
A small Lake Tanganyika catfish, cream-bodied with dense black spotting and boldly barred fins. Peaceful, sociable and one of the best Synodontis for a normal-sized tank.
Feeding
Omnivorous. Sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp and mysis. Feeds mainly after dark but soon learns daytime routines.
Compatibility
Peaceful and excellent with Tanganyikan and Malawi cichlids. Keep in groups of four or more. Will eat very small fish and shrimp.
Behaviour and personality
Active among rockwork, more so in the evening. Sociable with its own kind and often found sharing a cave.
Before you buy
Needs hard alkaline water and plenty of rock caves. Frequently confused with the very similar and much cheaper Synodontis lucipinnis in the trade.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Species | Synodontis petricola |
| Habitat | Lake Tanganyika |
| Size | Up to 5 cm (2 inches) |
| Water Type | Hard, alkaline |
| Group Size | 4 or more |
FAQ
What kind of water conditions does the Petricola catfish require?
It requires hard alkaline water and plenty of rock caves for shelter.
Is the Petricola catfish compatible with cichlids?
Yes, it is peaceful and excellent with Tanganyikan and Malawi cichlids.
How should I feed my Petricola catfish?
Feed it sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, or mysis. It feeds mainly at night but adapts to daytime feeding over time.
Bernadette Rampling –
Bought this for my 100-liter tank with a group of cichlids. The catfish is active and social, often hiding in the caves during the day. It eats well on sinking pellets and bloodworms. Very easy to care for once the water parameters are set correctly.
Caroline Henderson –
It’s a beautiful fish with striking black spots. I kept it with Malawi cichlids and they get along well. It’s active in the evening and enjoys the rockwork. A little shy at first but settles in quickly.
Brandon Bailey –
The fish arrived healthy and has been thriving in my tank for three months. I noticed it shares caves with others and is very curious. Feeds well on frozen foods and pellets. Great addition to a Tanganyika setup.