Synodontis petricola
Common names: Dwarf Cuckoo Catfish, Petricola Syno, Lake Tanganyika Synodontis
 
Overview
Synodontis petricola is a small, peaceful, and highly social catfish from Lake Tanganyika. Known for its spotted pattern, dark dorsal mask, and active personality, it is one of the most popular Synodontis species in the hobby. They do well in groups, adapt easily, and are perfect additions to Tanganyikan community tanks.
 
Care Sheet
Scientific Name
Synodontis petricola
Adult Size
8–10 cm (3–4 inches)
Lifespan
8–12 years
 
Temperament
Peaceful, social, very active
Best kept in groups of 4+
Will not harm tankmates but may outcompete slow feeders
Tank Size
Minimum 120 L (30 gallons)
180–250 L recommended for group behaviour
 
Water Parameters
Lake Tanganyika conditions:
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH: 7.8–9.0
Hardness: 10–20+ dGH (hard water)
KH: High alkalinity preferred
Flow: Moderate, oxygen-rich water
 
Diet
Omnivorous
They enjoy:
Sinking pellets (high-quality)
Frozen foods (bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp)
Live foods
Tubifex sparingly
Vegetable-based wafers for balance
They forage constantly and appreciate a varied diet.
 
Tank Setup
Substrate: Sand or smooth fine gravel
Decor: Rock piles, caves, tunnels, and shaded areas
Plants: Optional; hardy plants work
Lighting: Low to moderate
Filtration: Strong, clean, oxygen-rich water
They love crevices and prefer dim areas for resting.
 
Behaviour
Very peaceful and playful
More active at dusk/night but visible during the day
Excellent community members
Suitable tankmates:
Julidochromis
Altolamprologus
Cyprichromis
Shell dwellers (in large tanks)
Other peaceful Tanganyika species
 
Breeding
 
Cuckoo-spawning behaviour
Often mistaken for multipunctatus, but petricola also exhibits cuckoo breeding
They lay eggs among spawning mouthbrooders (often Cyprichromis)
The mouthbrooder incubates both the host eggs and Synodontis eggs
Fry grow rapidly and outcompete the cichlid fry
Tank breeding is possible with:
Large group
Triggered spawn via cooler water changes
Cyprichromis as host species