Family: Mochokidae
Cuckoo Catfish — a Mochokidae from Africa, calm and unobtrusive by day, busy by night. Reaches 7.6–11.2 cm; pairs for the small species; solitaries for the big. 22–25 °C.
Synodontis petricola, a member of the family Mochokidae, comes from Africa, where it inhabits warm freshwater streams and lakes. Calm and unobtrusive by day, busy by night and eats anything that sinks; balance protein and greens, it grows to 7.6–11.2 cm and adapts well to a properly set-up aquarium in the 22–25 °C range. Other Synodontis species in our database include Synodontis nigriventris, Synodontis multipunctatus.
A moderate-level species: calm and unobtrusive by day, busy by night; stable water matters more than fancy equipment.
Set the heater to 22–25 °C and avoid swings. pH 8–9, GH 9–19 dGH suit it.
Full size is 7.6–11.2 cm. Minimum tank: 151 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.
Eats anything that sinks; balance protein and greens. It forages naturally over fine sand and gravel, so let some food reach the bottom.
Calm and unobtrusive by day, busy by night; pairs for the small species; solitaries for the big. Good company: Other similar-sized bottom fish — Share the floor peaceably. Keep away from Tiny fish that fit in its mouth — Vanish at night.
Its home waters are Africa — warm freshwater streams and lakes, with still to gentle current.
Jumping is not a known issue; cover the tank anyway during water changes.
In the aquarium: cave or pit spawner; guarding varies by species. Subtle external differences.