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[ARRIVED 20-JAN-2026] Synodontis Petricola 2-4cm

Description

Synodontis Petricola: The most peaceful freshwater fish

Overview:

Synodontis petricola is a catfish which grows up to 4 inches long. The species can be found in Lake Tanganyika, and it’s rare amongst aquarists because of how hard they are to find!
This freshwater fish are the most peaceful of its kind, and with their inquisitive nature, they benefit well from stimulating décor arrangements.

Housing them in a LakeTanganyika biotope setup is advised; giving enough open water for swimming as well as using rocks to form caves for exploration. Dim lighting will encourage the fish do more social activities amidst themselves.

 

Fish Keeping Guide

 

Classification

 

Mochokidae

 

Name Origin

 

Synodontis: Ancient name for an undetermined fish from the Nile

Petricola: A dweller among rocks.

 

Care Level

 

Medium

 

Fish Size

 

This species grows to a length of 10.2 centimetres (4.0 in)

 

Water Temperature

 

24-28°C

 

pH

 

7.5-8.5

 

Water hardness

 

10-35 dH

 

Aquarium Size Required

 

36″ x 12″ x 12″ (90x30x30cm) – 80 litres

 

Gender Differences

 

Females more round in shape and a darker colour

Feed

Sinking pellets, although will also benefit from frozen and live foods

 

Compatibility

 

Should only be kept with larger Tetras, Barbs, and Gourami in a community set up that like harder water quality.  Ideal tank mates with most Cichlids, especially African Mouthbrooders


Characteristics:

The Synodontis petricola is light brown in color and covered by numerous, irregular dark brown spots. It has smaller ones on its head and ventral region, with white tips and a darker base on the pectoral fins, dorsal fins as well as the anal fin. Its humeral process is trilateral or three sided; it also has gill openings that do not cross over the pectoral fin spine.

Behaviour:

Synodontis Petricola are good-natured and sociable fish that do best when kept in groups of 3-4 or more; if kept singularly, they can be quite cautious, preferring to hide among rocks or caves.

If you have appropriately sized rainbowfish, livebearers and water cichlid communities in your tank, Synodontis petricola makes a great tank mate. However it's not advised to house them with fish that are too small for their size as they might be mistaken for food.

Breeding

The Syndontis Petricola are known for their reproduction in aquaria. Whilst they reproduce quite often in open waters, this species is unusual due to the fact that it is one of a few fish who have a breeding method called 'Brood Parasitism'. The Syndontis Petricola time their spawning to coincide with African Mouthbreeders and lay eggs near theirs. As the catfish eggs hatch, young fry consume mouthbrooder's eggs and are protected by unsuspecting cichlids.

The most effective way to breed Syndontis Petricola in captivity is to raise the eggs in a separate breeding tank. It is also recommended that adults are removed from the fish tank once they have spawned so as not to eat their own eggs. Spawning of pairs or flocks, ample frozen and live feed should be provided for them.

[ARRIVED 20-JAN-2026] Synodontis Petricola 2-4cm

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$25.00


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    Description

    Synodontis Petricola: The most peaceful freshwater fish

    Overview:

    Synodontis petricola is a catfish which grows up to 4 inches long. The species can be found in Lake Tanganyika, and it’s rare amongst aquarists because of how hard they are to find!
    This freshwater fish are the most peaceful of its kind, and with their inquisitive nature, they benefit well from stimulating décor arrangements.

    Housing them in a LakeTanganyika biotope setup is advised; giving enough open water for swimming as well as using rocks to form caves for exploration. Dim lighting will encourage the fish do more social activities amidst themselves.

     

    Fish Keeping Guide

     

    Classification

     

    Mochokidae

     

    Name Origin

     

    Synodontis: Ancient name for an undetermined fish from the Nile

    Petricola: A dweller among rocks.

     

    Care Level

     

    Medium

     

    Fish Size

     

    This species grows to a length of 10.2 centimetres (4.0 in)

     

    Water Temperature

     

    24-28°C

     

    pH

     

    7.5-8.5

     

    Water hardness

     

    10-35 dH

     

    Aquarium Size Required

     

    36″ x 12″ x 12″ (90x30x30cm) – 80 litres

     

    Gender Differences

     

    Females more round in shape and a darker colour

    Feed

    Sinking pellets, although will also benefit from frozen and live foods

     

    Compatibility

     

    Should only be kept with larger Tetras, Barbs, and Gourami in a community set up that like harder water quality.  Ideal tank mates with most Cichlids, especially African Mouthbrooders


    Characteristics:

    The Synodontis petricola is light brown in color and covered by numerous, irregular dark brown spots. It has smaller ones on its head and ventral region, with white tips and a darker base on the pectoral fins, dorsal fins as well as the anal fin. Its humeral process is trilateral or three sided; it also has gill openings that do not cross over the pectoral fin spine.

    Behaviour:

    Synodontis Petricola are good-natured and sociable fish that do best when kept in groups of 3-4 or more; if kept singularly, they can be quite cautious, preferring to hide among rocks or caves.

    If you have appropriately sized rainbowfish, livebearers and water cichlid communities in your tank, Synodontis petricola makes a great tank mate. However it's not advised to house them with fish that are too small for their size as they might be mistaken for food.

    Breeding

    The Syndontis Petricola are known for their reproduction in aquaria. Whilst they reproduce quite often in open waters, this species is unusual due to the fact that it is one of a few fish who have a breeding method called 'Brood Parasitism'. The Syndontis Petricola time their spawning to coincide with African Mouthbreeders and lay eggs near theirs. As the catfish eggs hatch, young fry consume mouthbrooder's eggs and are protected by unsuspecting cichlids.

    The most effective way to breed Syndontis Petricola in captivity is to raise the eggs in a separate breeding tank. It is also recommended that adults are removed from the fish tank once they have spawned so as not to eat their own eggs. Spawning of pairs or flocks, ample frozen and live feed should be provided for them.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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