Pygmy Leopard Catfish

Pygmy Leopard Catfish (Synodontis Petricola)

The Pygmy Leopard Catfish, also known as the Cuckoo Catfish, is a charming and lively species that adds a touch of nature's beauty to your aquarium. This fish is recognized for its elongated, slender body that is covered in a silvery skin without scales. It is adorned with evenly spaced black spots, which are more concentrated along the body and fewer on their bellies. They have large mouths, flat bodies, and long whisker-like barbels on their mouths, which they use to navigate and find food.

Pygmy Leopard Catfish are peaceful swimmers and are one of the smaller freshwater catfish species, reaching an adult size of about 5 to 5.5 inches. They are active, especially at night, and their playful nature makes them a delightful addition to a community tank. Pygmy Leopard Catfish prefer to be in a group of 4 or more and may become timid if left on their own. They can also become territorial, especially towards other bottom-dwelling fish.

The Pygmy Leopard Catfish may not be the best fit for a typical community aquarium. Especially since they require harder water which can limit the type of fish you can keep. It might be more appropriate to consider the Pygmy Leopards 'dwarf' variant called False Cuckoo Catfish (Synodontis Lucipinnis), which prefers softer water conditions, making them the better option for a wider range of aquarium setups.

It's best to avoid housing them with small invertebrates or fish that could fit into the Pygmy Leopard Catfish's mouth, as they are opportunistic eaters. But Pygmy Leopard Catfish makes a good addition to a community of hard water cichlids, ideally mouthbrooding species of Rift Lake origin, and other peaceful mid-water fish. Avoid housing with overly aggressive fish like Dempseys and African Cichlids.

In terms of diet, Pygmy Leopard Catfish are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods. They enjoy sinking pellets, flakes, and a variety of live and frozen foods like bloodworms, krill, and brine shrimp. They are also known to appreciate the occasional vegetable matter in their diet, such as peas and cucumbers. Feeding times for Pygmy Leopard Catfish should be late in the evening and early morning to accommodate their nocturnal lifestyle.

The ideal tank habitat for Pygmy Leopard Catfish should mimic a riverbed. A soft, sandy substrate is best to minimize injuring their sensitive belly. They also enjoy exploring their environment and relaxing in their personal hiding spots. Use smooth river rocks, caves, and driftwood to make interesting places to visit and sleep. Plants should be able to handle the hard water requirements and be robust because the Pygmy Leopard Catfish is an active swimmer and may disturb them. Some hard water tolerant plant is Bacopa Caroliniana, Java Fern, Anubias, and Hygrophila Corymbosa. Pygmy Leopard Catfish also need plenty of open space for swimming. Since they are nocturnal, the lighting should be kept dim to mimic their natural habitat and encourage daytime activity.

The minimum aquarium size for Pygmy Leopard Catfish is 55 gallons to provide ample swimming space. The water parameters should have a pH range of 7.0-8.5, a hardness within the soft to medium range of 10-35 dGH, and a temperature range of 75-82°F (24-28°C). Pygmy Leopard Catfish are sensitive to water quality, so regular water changes and good filtration are essential to keep them healthy.