🐟 Dwarf Cuckoo Catfish (Synodontis petricola)
🐟 Dwarf Cuckoo Catfish (Synodontis petricola)
African Rift Lake Catfish • Dwarf Brood Parasite • Active Bottom Swimmer • Hardy Community Catfish
📋 The Dwarf Cuckoo Catfish (Synodontis petricola) is a compact African catfish prized for its spotted pattern and energetic behavior.
Native to Lake Tanganyika, it is a smaller dwarf brood parasite, known for laying eggs among mouthbrooding cichlids.
Despite its size, it is an active bottom swimmer, constantly exploring rockwork and open areas.
Its resilience and adaptability make it a reliable hardy community catfish when housed with appropriate tankmates.
💡 Highlights
✨ Compact Dwarf Size: Smaller than standard cuckoo catfish
⚪ Hardy Community Catfish: Tough and adaptable
🏊 Active Bottom Swimmer: Constantly moving
🛡️ Armored Body: Thick skin and bony protection
📏 Ideal for Medium Tanks: Big personality in a smaller size
🧾 A Quick Look at the Dwarf Cuckoo Catfish
📛 Common Name: Dwarf Cuckoo Catfish
🔬 Scientific Name: Synodontis petricola
👨👩👧 Family: Mochokidae
🌍 Origin: Lake Tanganyika (Africa)
📏 Max Size: 10–13 cm (≈ 4–5″)
💧 pH Range: 7.5–8.6
🌡️ Temperature Range: 24–28 °C (≈ 75–82 °F)
🧠 Care Level: Easy–Moderate
💖 Temperament: Semi-peaceful
🏠 Min Tank Size: 180 L (≈ 50 gallons)
📌 Tank Level: Bottom–Midwater
🧬 Captive Bred: ✅ Yes
🌿 Wild Caught: ❌ No
⏳ Lifespan: 8–12 years
🍽️ Diet: Omnivore
🐣 Reproduction: Brood parasite (with mouthbrooding cichlids)
