Dwarf Petricola Catfish (Synodontis lucipinnis) Care Guide

A charming dwarf catfish from Lake Tanganyika with a cream to tan body covered in dark spots and a distinctive high dorsal fin.

Overview

Synodontis lucipinnis is a species in the family Mochokidae. A charming dwarf catfish from Lake Tanganyika with a cream to tan body covered in dark spots and a distinctive high dorsal fin. Often confused with the larger Synodontis petricola, this species stays smaller and is better suited for the average home aquarium. A social catfish that should be kept in groups, it is active at dusk and dawn.

Taxonomy

Family: Mochokidae
Genus: Synodontis
Scientific name: Synodontis lucipinnis
Other names: Synodontis lucipinnis, Dwarf Synodontis, False Petricola
Origin: Africa

Habitat

Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. Inhabits rocky and intermediate zones, often in groups. A small dwarf squeaker catfish long confused with Synodontis multipunctatus; it does not practise the brood-parasitic spawning of that species and accepts a varied omnivorous diet.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 120 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 7.5-9
GH: 10-25 °dGH
Water flow: moderate
Adult size: 8-10 cm
Lifespan: 8-15 years
Recommended group size: ≥ 4
Difficulty: intermediate

Diet

Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 1x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: peaceful
Swimming level: bottom
Compatible tank mates: Neolamprologus multifasciatus, Julidochromis, Altolamprologus, Other Lake Tanganyika species
Avoid with: Very small fish, Aggressive large cichlids

Breeding

Breeding difficulty: advanced