{"product_id":"petricola-catfish","title":"Petricola Catfish","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eAbout the Petricola Catfish\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Petricola Catfish is a beautiful African catfish native to the rocky shores of Lake Tanganyika. Loved for its striking black body covered in crisp white spots, this active bottom-dweller is one of the smallest and most peaceful members of the \u003cem\u003eSynodontis\u003c\/em\u003e family, making it an excellent choice for both African cichlid and larger community aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike many nocturnal catfish, Petricola Catfish are often active throughout the day, constantly exploring caves, rockwork, and crevices in search of food. Their inquisitive nature and attractive spotted pattern make them a favourite amongst aquarists keeping Tanganyikan cichlids.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePetricolas thrive in aquariums with rocky caves, strong filtration, and excellent water quality. They are happiest when kept in small groups of three or more, where they display natural social behaviour. They readily accept sinking carnivore pellets, algae wafers, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and other meaty foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardy, peaceful, and full of personality, the Petricola Catfish is one of the best catfish species for African cichlid aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSynodontis petricola\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePetricola Catfish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eOrigin\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLake Tanganyika, Africa\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAdult Size\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e10–12 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTemperament\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeaceful\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDiet\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOmnivore\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e120 Litres\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTemperature\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e24–28°C\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003epH\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e7.8–9.0\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWater Hardness\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e10–25 dGH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeginner to Intermediate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eLifespan\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e8–12 Years\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfrican cichlid aquariums and larger community tanks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAre Petricola Catfish good with African cichlids?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. They are one of the best catfish for Lake Tanganyika aquariums and are commonly kept with Tanganyikan cichlids.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eShould Petricola Catfish be kept in groups?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. They are social fish and do best in groups of three or more, where they become more confident and active.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat do Petricola Catfish eat?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey enjoy sinking carnivore pellets, algae wafers, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and other meaty foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAre Petricola Catfish aggressive?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. They are peaceful and generally ignore other fish, although they may compete for hiding places with other bottom dwellers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan Petricola Catfish live with shrimp?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDue to their size and opportunistic feeding habits, shrimp are not recommended as tank mates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Mistakes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eKeeping them alone\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePetricola Catfish are naturally social and thrive when kept in small groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eNot providing enough caves\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRock piles and caves provide security and encourage natural behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eKeeping them in soft, acidic water\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs Lake Tanganyika natives, they require hard, alkaline water to remain healthy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eFeeding only algae wafers\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough they will eat algae-based foods, they require a balanced omnivorous diet with plenty of protein.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePoor oxygenation\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExcellent filtration and strong water movement help replicate their natural environment and keep them healthy.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Apex Aquatic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48853882994827,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/8353\/3195\/files\/bKThpSDOOrqD3Q0QXXAqiQYZYHECTCMMS3xv8Y422GS4VcJaYg97ABzmxurvZhuzOHbQ6AZLezwmZusOX9he-BfVeQr6hvxNwcmfDi8Pja0GgNgofPjkwXhDOqoYD_4NDE0EGDjxjBjiEWsQJyKL7X23BWtDyEC7b45OxWH3sdVtaXuBEN2GG8R.jpg?v=1785912719","url":"https:\/\/apexaquatic.com.au\/products\/petricola-catfish","provider":"Apex Aquatic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}