Dwarf Petricola

Name: Dwarf Petricola
SKU: 232
Availability: InStock

Are you looking for a peaceful, unique, and eye-catching addition to your freshwater aquarium? When you’re searching for a fish that’s hardy, active, and full of personality, there’s no better choice than the Dwarf Petricola. Also known as the Petricola Catfish or Synodontis lucipinnis, this small, bottom-dwelling African catfish is a must-have for hobbyists of all levels.

At PacificFishDepot.com, we proudly offer healthy, ethically sourced Dwarf Petricola Catfish for shipping across the USA and Canada. Whether you’re setting up an African cichlid tank, looking for an algae helper, or simply want a unique species with tons of charm, the Dwarf Petricola is the perfect fit.

What is a Dwarf Petricola?

The Dwarf Petricola (Synodontis lucipinnis) is a small species of upside-down catfish native to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. Often mistaken for its close cousin Synodontis petricola, the lucipinnis variant tends to stay smaller, reaching about 3 to 4 inches in length at maturity. Their compact size, peaceful behavior, and compatibility with African cichlid tanks make them a favorite in the aquarium world.

They’re known for their distinct spotted pattern, attractive fin coloration, and entertaining behaviors—especially their ability to swim upside down! Unlike many bottom-dwellers, Dwarf Petricolas are active day and night, constantly on the move and interacting with their environment.

Why Buy Dwarf Petricola from PacificFishDepot.com?

When it comes to exotic freshwater fish, quality, health, and customer service matter most. At PacificFishDepot.com, we specialize in the ethical sourcing, quarantine, and delivery of rare and desirable aquarium species, including the beloved Dwarf Petricola.

✅ Ethically Sourced, Quarantined Stock

We only sell ethically collected or captive-bred fish. Every Dwarf Petricola is quarantined, observed, and fully acclimated before shipping, ensuring a healthy, disease-free fish on arrival.

✅ Live Arrival Guarantee

Your order is protected with our Live Arrival Guarantee. If there’s an issue during shipping, we’ll make it right with a replacement or refund.

✅ Shipped Across USA & Canada

We ship to every corner of Canada and the USA, using insulated, oxygenated packaging and next-day delivery options to get your fish to you safely and swiftly.

✅ Expert Advice & Care Support

Not sure if a Dwarf Petricola is right for your setup? Our team is here to guide you before and after your purchase, ensuring success with this amazing species.

Key Features of the Dwarf Petricola

Feature	Description
Scientific Name	Synodontis lucipinnis
Common Name	Dwarf Petricola, Petricola Catfish
Origin	Lake Tanganyika (Africa)
Size (Adult)	3–4 inches
Temperament	Peaceful, sociable
Tank Compatibility	Cichlids, community tanks
Minimum Tank Size	20–30 gallons
Temperature Range	74°F – 80°F (23°C – 27°C)
pH Range	7.5 – 8.5
Diet	Omnivore (sinking pellets, frozen food)
Lifespan	Up to 8–10 years
Activity Level	Moderate to High

Personality and Behavior

Dwarf Petricolas are incredibly active and engaging, making them a joy to observe. They have a strong sense of curiosity, often exploring caves, rocks, driftwood, and even aquarium ornaments. What really sets them apart is their habit of swimming upside down—a behavior unique to Synodontis species.

Despite being bottom-dwellers, they’re not shy. These fish interact well with other species, rarely hide for extended periods, and are non-aggressive, making them an ideal choice for peaceful or semi-aggressive tanks.

If you love community tanks with vibrant behavior and constant motion, this species will add life and energy to the bottom layer of your aquarium.

Ideal Tank Setup

Creating the ideal home for your Dwarf Petricola is simple, especially if you’re already keeping African cichlids or community fish.

Recommended Environment:

Tank Size: 30 gallons or larger
Substrate: Sand or smooth gravel (they like to sift!)
Decor: Lots of rock structures, caves, and driftwood
Lighting: Moderate to low
Filtration: High-quality filter with moderate flow
Tank Lid: Secure (they may jump when startled)

Because these fish come from Lake Tanganyika, harder, alkaline water is ideal. They do well with African cichlids, especially smaller and mid-size species like shell dwellers or peaceful Mbuna.

Tank Mates for Dwarf Petricola

Dwarf Petricolas are peaceful, but they also hold their own in tanks with semi-aggressive fish. They are often kept with:

African Cichlids (Tanganyikan & smaller Mbuna)
Rainbowfish
Tetras
Barbs
Livebearers (in harder water setups)
Corydoras (in larger, mixed community tanks)

They can be kept singly, but they thrive in groups of 3 or more. In fact, in groups, you’ll notice playful schooling behavior and more visible activity throughout the tank.

Diet and Feeding

Dwarf Petricolas are omnivores with a strong preference for sinking foods. They do an excellent job of cleaning up uneaten food from other fish, but they should not be treated as “just a scavenger.” These fish thrive when directly fed a balanced diet.

Best Food Options:

Sinking catfish pellets
Algae wafers
Frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp
Live blackworms
Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach)

Feed once or twice a day, preferably after lights-out when they are most active. In well-lit tanks, they’ll still feed during the day.

Breeding Behavior

While breeding Dwarf Petricolas in home aquariums is challenging, it’s not impossible. Most petricola catfish spawn in caves, laying adhesive eggs. If you’re interested in breeding them, a dedicated breeding setup with soft lighting, stable water chemistry, and high-protein foods is recommended.

In community tanks, breeding is rare without specific environmental triggers like seasonal temperature shifts and cave isolation.