Synodontis Petricola

Looks how to spot one

Smooth-skinned (scaleless) catfish

A stocky little catfish with a strong bony head and three pairs of white barbels. The yellowish to copper-brown body is covered with bold black spots, and the fins have dark triangular bases with crisp white edges. Black bars cross each lobe of the tail.2

Personality what they are like

One of the most peaceful Synodontis available; sociable with its own kind and calm with tankmates too big to swallow.3

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Busy and inquisitive, especially in a group, foraging over rocks and the substrate.32

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

A hard, alkaline water fish: Seriously Fish lists 24-28 C, pH 7.5-8.5 and 10-35 dGH, while FishBase gives 22-25 C and pH 8.0-9.0. Rockwork with caves suits it, and it adapts to a range of water chemistry.31

Home where they are happiest

Lives along rocky shorelines in Lake Tanganyika down to about 30 m. Minimum around 90 x 30 cm base (about 81 litres) for a group.23

Food basics what goes in the bowl

An adaptable omnivore: in the wild adults eat sponges, algae, plant detritus and small crustaceans. In aquariums it takes frozen, live and dried foods plus vegetables such as cucumber and peas.23

Company who they like around

Keep in a group of four or more alongside hard-water cichlids, rainbowfish or livebearers.3

The story where it all began

Belgian ichthyologist Hubert Matthes described the species in 1959 from Lake Tanganyika. It has since become a favourite with keepers of Tanganyikan cichlid tanks.23

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List

Least Concern (assessed 26 February 2025)1

Taxonomy

Family Mochokidae; described by Hubert Matthes in 19592