Freshwater
Catfish
More details
Cuckoo Catfish (Synodontis petricola)
Free
Free
Description
The Cuckoo Catfish is a small, active synodontis species from Lake Tanganyika known for its unique breeding behavior and spotted body. Peaceful yet lively, it thrives in African cichlid tanks and adds movement to rocky aquascapes.
Difficulty Level
Intermediate Care
Region
Cuckoo Catfish (Synodontis petricola)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Hardy and adaptable, but requires stable water parameters and oxygen-rich, well-filtered environments.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Commonly captive-bred; conservation-friendly and suitable for long-term aquarium life with low ecological risk.
Origin
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa, especially along the rocky shores of Tanzania and Zambia.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Compact, spotted body with bold black and cream patterning. High dorsal fin and long barbels give it a charismatic, busy appearance as it scours the substrate and crevices.
Purpose
Bottom-dwelling scavenger that helps clean leftover food. Adds constant motion in the lower zones of a tank and thrives in rocky, cave-filled environments.
Importance
Perfect for African setups—adds diversity, keeps substrate clean, and fits the niche between loaches and plecos in behavior. Great for balancing bioload without disrupting cichlids.
Included Resources
Needs fine sand or smooth gravel, plenty of rockwork for shelter, high oxygen levels, and moderate to strong flow. Benefits from dim lighting and multiple hiding spots.
Best Use Cases
Ideal in Lake Tanganyika biotopes or peaceful African cichlid communities. Compatible with small to medium-sized mbuna and shell-dwelling species.
Conservation Context
Tank-bred populations are widely available. Wild populations are stable but sensitive to water quality and mining impacts in the lake.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Shell dwellers (Neolamprologus spp.)
• Julidochromis
• Peaceful mbuna
• Small Rift Lake cichlids
• Peaceful loaches or larger tetras (if not strict biotope)
Region (A)
• Latitude: -6.2750° S
• Longitude: 29.4632° E
(Kipili, Tanzania — rocky inlets of Lake Tanganyika)
Region (B)
• Latitude: -8.4667° S
• Longitude: 30.6667° E
(Mpulungu, Zambia — southern Lake Tanganyika basin)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Cuckoo Catfish (Synodontis petricola)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Hardy and adaptable, but requires stable water parameters and oxygen-rich, well-filtered environments.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Commonly captive-bred; conservation-friendly and suitable for long-term aquarium life with low ecological risk.
Origin
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa, especially along the rocky shores of Tanzania and Zambia.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Compact, spotted body with bold black and cream patterning. High dorsal fin and long barbels give it a charismatic, busy appearance as it scours the substrate and crevices.
Purpose
Bottom-dwelling scavenger that helps clean leftover food. Adds constant motion in the lower zones of a tank and thrives in rocky, cave-filled environments.
Importance
Perfect for African setups—adds diversity, keeps substrate clean, and fits the niche between loaches and plecos in behavior. Great for balancing bioload without disrupting cichlids.
Included Resources
Needs fine sand or smooth gravel, plenty of rockwork for shelter, high oxygen levels, and moderate to strong flow. Benefits from dim lighting and multiple hiding spots.
Best Use Cases
Ideal in Lake Tanganyika biotopes or peaceful African cichlid communities. Compatible with small to medium-sized mbuna and shell-dwelling species.
Conservation Context
Tank-bred populations are widely available. Wild populations are stable but sensitive to water quality and mining impacts in the lake.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Shell dwellers (Neolamprologus spp.)
• Julidochromis
• Peaceful mbuna
• Small Rift Lake cichlids
• Peaceful loaches or larger tetras (if not strict biotope)
Region (A)
• Latitude: -6.2750° S
• Longitude: 29.4632° E
(Kipili, Tanzania — rocky inlets of Lake Tanganyika)
Region (B)
• Latitude: -8.4667° S
• Longitude: 30.6667° E
(Mpulungu, Zambia — southern Lake Tanganyika basin)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Cuckoo Catfish (Synodontis petricola)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Hardy and adaptable, but requires stable water parameters and oxygen-rich, well-filtered environments.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Commonly captive-bred; conservation-friendly and suitable for long-term aquarium life with low ecological risk.
Origin
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa, especially along the rocky shores of Tanzania and Zambia.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Compact, spotted body with bold black and cream patterning. High dorsal fin and long barbels give it a charismatic, busy appearance as it scours the substrate and crevices.
Purpose
Bottom-dwelling scavenger that helps clean leftover food. Adds constant motion in the lower zones of a tank and thrives in rocky, cave-filled environments.
Importance
Perfect for African setups—adds diversity, keeps substrate clean, and fits the niche between loaches and plecos in behavior. Great for balancing bioload without disrupting cichlids.
Included Resources
Needs fine sand or smooth gravel, plenty of rockwork for shelter, high oxygen levels, and moderate to strong flow. Benefits from dim lighting and multiple hiding spots.
Best Use Cases
Ideal in Lake Tanganyika biotopes or peaceful African cichlid communities. Compatible with small to medium-sized mbuna and shell-dwelling species.
Conservation Context
Tank-bred populations are widely available. Wild populations are stable but sensitive to water quality and mining impacts in the lake.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Shell dwellers (Neolamprologus spp.)
• Julidochromis
• Peaceful mbuna
• Small Rift Lake cichlids
• Peaceful loaches or larger tetras (if not strict biotope)
Region (A)
• Latitude: -6.2750° S
• Longitude: 29.4632° E
(Kipili, Tanzania — rocky inlets of Lake Tanganyika)
Region (B)
• Latitude: -8.4667° S
• Longitude: 30.6667° E
(Mpulungu, Zambia — southern Lake Tanganyika basin)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Cuckoo Catfish (Synodontis petricola)
Region
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