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.
Care parameters
Water temperature
22–25 °C
pH
8–9
GH hardness
9–19 dGH
Adult length
7.6–11.2 cm
Minimum tank
151 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Calm and unobtrusive by day, busy by night
Origin
Africa
Species overview
Synodontis petricola, a member of the family Mochokidae, is native to Africa. Its barbels read the sand like fingers; coarse gravel slowly wears them down. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 7.6–11.2 cm. Pairs for the small species; solitaries for the big. Provide soft substrate, hiding tubes, and food that reaches the bottom before tankmates finish it. Maintain 22–25 °C at pH 8–9. Water quality and diet matter more than décor.
Native biotope
Habitat
Warm freshwater streams and lakes
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate oxygen levels
Aquascape & hardware
Substrate
Fine sand and gravel
Hardscape
Driftwood and smooth stones
Plants
Hardy common aquarium plants
Temperament, diet & tankmates
Schooling
Pairs for the small species; solitaries for the big
Diet
Eats anything that sinks; balance protein and greens
Recommended tankmates
Other similar-sized bottom fish — Share the floor peaceably