Dwarf Cuckoo Care Guide
Synodontis petricola
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Bioload Score
3000
PeacefulModerate
- Max Size
- 10 cm / 3.9"
- Temperature
- 24–28°C (75–82°F)
- pH Range
- 7.8 – 9
- Min Tank Size
- 100L (26 gal)
- Min Group Size
- 4 fish
- Tank Level
- Bottom
- Origin
- Africa
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Breeding Difficulty
- Difficult
Diet
An omnivorous bottom feeder that eats sinking pellets, insect larvae, crustaceans, algae and other small invertebrates.
Community Compatibility
Suitable tankmates include peaceful Lake Tanganyika cichlids such as Julidochromis, Neolamprologus and Cyprichromis, as well as other similarly sized Synodontis.
Good to Know
Synodontis petricola is famous as a cuckoo catfish because it can exploit mouthbrooding cichlids to incubate and raise its young.
Gender Differences
Females are generally larger and more rounded than males, while mature males can be distinguished more reliably by examination of the genital papilla.
Stock Dwarf Cuckoo in Your Tank
Use our free stocking calculator to see if Dwarf Cuckoo fits your aquarium