cuckoo Catfish - Synodontis Petricola

Cuckoo Catfish (Synodontis petricola)

The Cuckoo Catfish (Synodontis petricola) is a striking African catfish admired for its black body covered in crisp white spots and its active, inquisitive personality. Native to the rocky shorelines of Lake Tanganyika, these hardy catfish are an excellent choice for African cichlid aquariums and can also thrive in other suitably planned community setups with compatible tank mates.

Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Adult Size: Up to 10–12cm
Temperament: Peaceful to Semi-Aggressive
Tank Size: 150L+ recommended
Diet: Omnivore – enjoys quality sinking pellets, wafers, frozen foods, and live foods
Water Parameters: 24–28°C, pH 7.5–8.8

Cuckoo Catfish appreciate aquariums with plenty of caves, rockwork, and hiding places where they can shelter during the day before becoming more active in the evening. They are social fish and are best kept in groups of three or more. While famous for their unique breeding behaviour of laying eggs amongst spawning cichlids in the wild, they are equally valued in the home aquarium for their hardy nature, attractive appearance, and entertaining behaviour.

As with all our livestock, we encourage researching their care requirements to ensure they are the right fit for your aquarium before purchasing. Responsible fishkeeping and animal welfare always come first.