Pygmy Leopard Catfish

Synodontis petricola

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

PeacefulMiddle swimmerKeep in a school of 5+Beginner – Intermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm)
Aquarium size: 29 US gal (110 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 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 5+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 8 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 29 US gal (110 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 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.

Keep in a school of 5+.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding. Keep in a school of 5+.

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 29 US gal (110 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.
Make room for its social group.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a school of 5+.
Offer a varied diet that matches this species.

Similar fish profiles

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

African Freshwater Pipefish Enneacampus ansorgii Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) Banded Gourami Trichogaster fasciata Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 73–82°F (23–28°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) Banded Rainbowfish Melanotaenia trifasciata Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner ≤ 5.1" (≤ 13 cm) 70–79°F (21–26°C) Black Ruby Barb Pethia nigrofasciata Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Bleeding Heart Tetra Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°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 29 US gal (110 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 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 5+.