Pygmy Leopard Catfish

Synodontis petricola

Pygmy Leopard Catfish is a peaceful middle swimmer. Keep in a school of at least 5.

PeacefulMiddle swimmerKeep in a school of at least 5Beginner – Intermediate

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Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm)
Aquarium size: 21 US gal (81 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle swimmer
Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
pH: 7.5–8.5
GH: 10–35 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 8 years
Group behavior: Keep in a school of at least 5

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 8 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 21 US gal (81 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 24–28 °C, pH 7.5–8.5, GH 10–35 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Pygmy Leopard Catfish is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Pygmy Leopard Catfish should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 21 US gal (81 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length.
Make room for its social group.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a school of at least 5.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

African Red Eyed Tetra Arnoldichthys spilopterus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C) Banded Gourami Trichogaster fasciata Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 70–82°F (21–28°C) Black Banded Rainbowfish Melanotaenia nigrans Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 73–82°F (23–28°C) Blood Tailed Danio Devario annandalei Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 70–79°F (21–26°C) Blue Eyed Congo Tetra Phenacogrammus aurantiacus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) African Butterfly Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C)

FAQ

How large does Pygmy Leopard Catfish get?

Pygmy Leopard Catfish reaches ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm).

What aquarium size does Pygmy Leopard Catfish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 21 US gal (81 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length.

Is Pygmy Leopard Catfish peaceful?

Yes. Pygmy Leopard Catfish is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Pygmy Leopard Catfish?

Keep it between 24 to 28 °C.

Should Pygmy Leopard Catfish be kept alone or in a group?

Pygmy Leopard Catfish: Keep in a school of at least 5.