True Petricola Pygmy Leopard Catfish Synodontis Petricola 3cm

Image for illustration purposes only. Exact colours, patterns, and size may vary between individuals.

£22.00

Delivered alive, guaranteed

Live fish delivery is £20 per order, delivered Thursday, Friday or Saturday, arriving before 1:00pm on the day you choose at checkout. Packed by aquatic specialists and shipped overnight with a dedicated livestock courier, every fish is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee with automatic refunds. See How Live Fish Delivery Works for full details.

When will my fish arrive?

Order placedDelivery day
Up to Monday 11:00amThursday (that week)
Monday after 11:00am – Tuesday 11:00amFriday (that week)
Tuesday after 11:00am – Wednesday 11:00amSaturday (that week)
Wednesday after 11:00am – Sunday (any time)Thursday (following week)

True Petricola Pygmy Leopard Catfish Synodontis Petricola 3cm Overview: The True Petricola Pygmy Leopard Catfish, also known as Synodontis Petricola, is a captivating and relatively small freshwater fish, admired for its striking pattern that resembles a leopard's coat. This hardy species is a favored choice among aquarists due to its peaceful nature and unique appearance. It can grow up to 4 inches in length, making it an excellent addition to a variety of tank setups. Origin: Native to the rocky, sandy bottoms of Lake Tanganyika in Africa, this species is adept at navigating the complex environments of its habitat. They are accustomed to hiding among rocks and crevices, replicating this in a home aquarium will make them feel secure and display their natural behavior. Feeding: The True Petricola is omnivorous, requiring a balanced diet that includes both plant-based foods and proteins. High-quality sinking pellets, frozen or freeze-dried foods such as bloodworms, and vegetable matter should form the basis of their diet. They are also known to scavenge, helping keep the tank clean by consuming leftover food. Tank Mates: These catfish are peaceful and do well in community tanks with other Lake Tanganyika species or similarly sized peaceful fish. Avoid housing them with large, aggressive species as they can become stressed or outcompeted for food. Aggression: Synodontis Petricola is generally peaceful but can display territorial behavior towards its own kind or similar-looking bottom dwellers. A larger tank with plenty of hiding spots can minimize aggression. Experience Level: Suitable for aquarists of all levels, including beginners, due to their hardiness and adaptable nature. However, a basic understanding of the specific water parameters of their native habitat will greatly enhance their health and longevity. Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 74-79°F (23-26°C)
  • pH: 7.8-8.5
  • Hardness: 8-15 dGH
A well-oxygenated tank with a moderate to strong flow, replicating their natural habitat's water conditions, is ideal. Regular water changes and good filtration are crucial to maintain water quality.

Please Note

The livestock that is sold on our online site is not held in store at our Birchwood Aquatic Centre shop. Species sold at the Birchwood Aquatic Centre physical store may differ from ones available to order to your door.

Frequently Asked Questions

In insulated boxes designed for live transport, packed by aquatic specialists,
overnight with a licensed live-animal courier, arriving before 1pm.

It is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.
Photograph it within 4 hours of delivery, email info@birchwoodaquaticcentre.co.uk with your order number, and the refund is processed automatically. The cover continues for 7 days after arrival.


Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. You pick your day at checkout; please choose a day someone is home.

Yes. One basket, one checkout; the fish arrive with the specialist courier and the rest of your order ships as normal.

We can deliver to UK mainland only for live fish.

Follow the five-minute acclimatisation steps in our When Your Fish Arrive guide: float the bags, add tank water gradually, net the fish in, lights low, feed tomorrow.