Synodontis Petricola care guide
Synodontis Petricola (Synodontis petricola) — minimum tank 120 L, temperature 24-28 °C, pH 7.5-8.5.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
The Petricola Synodontis (Synodontis petricola) is a small mochokid catfish endemic to Lake Tanganyika in Africa. Its body is pale grey to cream with bold black spots, and it lives among the rocky shoreline habitats of the lake.
Taxonomy
- Family: Mochokidae
- Genus: Synodontis
- Scientific name: Synodontis petricola
- Common synonyms: Pygmy Leopard Catfish
Habitat
Endemic to rocky littoral zones of Lake Tanganyika in Burundi, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia, in hard, strongly alkaline water rich in dissolved minerals.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 120 L (31.7 US gal)
- Adult size: 10-12 cm
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 7.5-8.5
- GH: 10-20 °dGH
- Water flow: moderate
- Lifespan: 8-15 years
- School size: ≥4 individuals
Diet
An omnivore. Offer sinking pellets, granules and live or frozen foods such as bloodworms and daphnia.
Compatibility
A peaceful shoaling catfish best kept in groups of four or more in a Tanganyika-style rock aquarium. Compatible with peaceful Tanganyikan cichlids and other rock-dwelling Synodontis. Buffered hard, alkaline water is essential for long-term health.
Breeding
A cave-spawning species and a known brood parasite of mouthbrooding cichlids — Synodontis petricola eggs can be reared in the mouths of cuckoo-host cichlid females. Hobbyist breeding has been achieved using both cave and host-cichlid methods.
Synodontis Petricola Breeding Guide
Overview
Synodontis petricola is a small mochokid catfish from Lake Tanganyika and, unlike most of its genus, is actually bred fairly often in aquaria. It can spawn over rocks or in caves in a dedicated setup and is also a brood parasite of mouthbrooding cichlids in nature.
Sexing
Mature, well-conditioned adults are easiest to pair, and ripe females become noticeably fuller-bodied with eggs. Keeping a group of several individuals improves the chance of forming spawning pairs or groups.
Conditioning
Condition the fish on live and frozen foods in clean, low-nitrate water at typical Tanganyikan parameters (around 24-28 C, pH 7.5-8.5, hard water). Good conditioning brings ripe females and active males into spawning readiness.
Breeding Setup
A separate breeding tank with rock piles or terracotta pots and minimal nitrates is the most reliable method. Pairs or small groups can spawn together, with cave spawning also documented under established conditions.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Males pursue females before spawning, adopting a stance similar to the 'T' position seen in Corydoras breeding. In the wild the catfish times its spawning to coincide with a host mouthbrooding cichlid and lays its eggs among the host's eggs; the catfish eggs hatch faster, and the fry consume the host's eggs while the cichlid continues to guard them.
Egg & Fry Care
Eggs hatch in approximately 24 hours, and the fry become free-swimming after about 2-3 days. Start the fry on infusoria, progressing to brine shrimp nauplii and powdered flake; they typically take six or more months to reach saleable size.
Common Challenges
Maintaining very clean, low-nitrate water and providing suitable rockwork or caves are the main husbandry requirements. The principal challenge is bringing fish into condition and securing the eggs and tiny fry, which are vulnerable to predation in a community setting.