How difficult is it to keep Pygmy Leopard Catfish?

Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.

What is the ideal temperature for Pygmy Leopard Catfish?

The ideal temperature for Pygmy Leopard Catfish is 24〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

What is the lifespan of Pygmy Leopard Catfish?

The average lifespan of Pygmy Leopard Catfish is 5-8 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Pygmy Leopard Catfish get?

Pygmy Leopard Catfish typically reaches About 10-13cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Pygmy Leopard Catfish?

Pygmy Leopard Catfish feeds on: Frozen and live foods, dried foods, vegetables (shelled peas, cucumber). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Pygmy Leopard Catfish?

The price of Pygmy Leopard Catfish varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Pygmy Leopard Catfish

Intermediate

Synodontis petricola

A small catfish that shoals among the rocks of Lake Tanganyika. Dark spots scatter over a pale body and every fin is edged in black and white. It wants hard alkaline water and settles best in groups of four or more.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

24〜28℃

Lifespan

5-8 years

Size

About 10-13cm

Diet

Frozen and live foods, dried foods, vegetables (shelled peas, cucumber)

About

Synodontis petricola is a small mochokid endemic to Lake Tanganyika, where it shoals among rocks. FishBase gives 10.2cm TL and Seriously Fish 130mm SL. Dark spots scatter over a pale body and each fin is edged in black and white. Seriously Fish gives 24-28C, pH 7.5-8.5 and 10-35 dGH, so the hard alkaline chemistry of the lake should be reproduced. A base of 90 x 30cm (about 81 litres) suits a group, aquascaped with rockwork full of crevices. It is one of the most peaceful Synodontis and mixes well with hard-water cichlids, rainbowfish and livebearers, settling best in groups of four or more. It is omnivorous, taking frozen, live and dried foods as well as shelled peas and cucumber. It can spawn parasitically alongside mouthbrooding cichlids, but a dedicated breeding tank is more productive: eggs hatch in about 24 hours and fry swim free within 2-3 days. Growth is slow.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Lifespan of the Pygmy Leopard Catfish

The Pygmy Leopard Catfish lives 5-8 years.

Size of the Pygmy Leopard Catfish

The Pygmy Leopard Catfish grows to About 10-13cm.

Temperature & humidity for the Pygmy Leopard Catfish

The ideal temperature for the Pygmy Leopard Catfish is 24〜28℃.

Basic Info

Origin

Africa (Lake Tanganyika)

Lifespan

5-8 years

Care Specifications

pH: 7.5–8.5
Hardness (GH): 10–35 dGH
Water Temp.: 24–28℃
Min. Tank: 81 L

PeacefulGroupBreeding: Moderate

Sources: Seriously Fish / FishBase

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Synodontis petricola Matthes, 1959

Authority databases: FishBase

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern

Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.