Dwarf Petricola Catfish

Petricola fish are small Synodontis. These fish are tan with black spots. They have white-lined black fins and white whiskers. Synodontis catfish need water that is oxygenated and has a relatively strong current. Provide hiding places situated in areas of heavy current for shelter.

Dwarf Petricola catfish are omnivores, and should be offered both meaty foods and vegetation. This can be in the form of flakes, pellets, and freeze-dried or frozen foods like bloodworms and blackworms. They are peaceful fish and can be kept in most community aquariums. Many can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, including hard water and high pH, and can even be kept in some African cichlid aquariums.

Quick Facts

Care Guide

Tank setup: Give them caves, rocks or driftwood to hide in, and good filtration. They are most active at night.

Feeding: Feed sinking pellets once a day, ideally in the evening. They also enjoy frozen foods like bloodworms.

Tankmates: They get along with most fish of similar size, including many cichlids. They may eat very small fish.

Good to know: Dwarf petricolas are a great fit for African cichlid tanks, where they clean up food that falls to the bottom.