Dwarf petricola catfish

Synodontis petricola is a small, attractively spotted catfish endemic to the rocky littoral zone of Lake Tanganyika. Rarely exceeding 11 centimetres, it is one of the most peaceful and community-friendly Synodontis, making it a popular companion for Tanganyikan and Malawi cichlids. It is a gregarious, gently social species that should be kept in groups of five or more, where it becomes bolder and more active. Provide the hard, alkaline water of its home lake, around pH 7.8 to 9.0 with high carbonate hardness, at 23 to 27 Celsius, together with piles of rock forming caves and crevices. An opportunistic omnivore, it accepts sinking pellets, frozen foods and will scavenge, but should not rely on leftovers alone. Note the sharp, locking pectoral and dorsal spines when netting, which can tangle and injure the fish.