Dwarf Petricola (Synodontis lucipinnis)

Name: Dwarf Petricola (Synodontis lucipinnis)
Brand: Legacy Line Aquatics LLC
Price: 17.99 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

$17.99

Synodontis lucipinnis is a compact Lake Tanganyika catfish known for its spotted pattern, bright fin edging, and active social behavior. It is commonly sold as the Dwarf Petricola Catfish, although it is a separate species from the true Synodontis petricola.

Unlike many catfish that eventually outgrow average home aquariums, S. lucipinnis generally remains around 3–4 inches. They are especially well suited to African Rift Lake aquariums with rocky hiding places and hard, alkaline water.

Why Hobbyists Love Synodontis lucipinnis

Compact adult size
Attractive spotted pattern and white-edged fins
Excellent addition to many Tanganyikan aquariums
Social and more visible when kept in a group
Long-lived and highly recognizable

What You’re Getting from Legacy Line Aquatics

Clean systems
Proper feeding, with a mixture of high-quality sinking catfish pellets, frozen brine shrimp, frozen bloodworms, live baby brine shrimp, and other appropriate foods
Parasite free

Adult Size: Approximately 3–4 inches
Temperament: Peaceful and social
Difficulty: Intermediate
Lifespan: Approximately 10–15 years
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Temperature: 75–82°F

Temperament & Behavior

Synodontis lucipinnis are generally peaceful, active catfish that are most comfortable in groups. Individuals may chase one another or briefly argue over preferred caves, but serious damage is uncommon when enough hiding places are provided.

They are often most active during feeding, in dim lighting, and during the evening.

Feeding

These catfish are omnivorous bottom feeders. They should be fed intentionally rather than expected to survive on scraps left behind by other fish.

Recommended foods:

High-quality sinking catfish pellets
Insect-based sinking foods
Frozen brine shrimp
Frozen mysis shrimp
Frozen bloodworms as treats
Algae or vegetable-containing wafers
Live foods occasionally

They do best in tanks with:

Stable rock piles
Multiple shaded caves
Fine sand or smooth gravel
Moderate water movement
Strong filtration and high oxygen
Hard, alkaline water around pH 7.5–8.6
A group of at least four to six

Tank Size (Recommended)

Small group: 30 gallons minimum
Group of six or more: 40-gallon breeder preferred
Tanganyikan community: 55 gallons or larger

Water Temperature

Ideal range: 75–82°F
Stable temperature and strong oxygenation are important

Tank Mates (Good Choices)

Best tank mates are fish suited to the same hard, alkaline water conditions.

Good tank mates may include:

Tanganyikan cichlids:

Neolamprologus similis
Gold Ocellatus
Julidochromis species
Altolamprologus calvus
Cyprichromis species

Other African cichlids:

Appropriately sized Lake Malawi cichlids
Lake Victoria cichlids

Avoid:

Tiny fish that could be swallowed
Very small fry when maximum fry survival is important
Large predatory catfish
Extremely aggressive cichlids
Soft, acidic water setups
Keeping a single specimen without hiding places

Local Delivery

Delivery is available within an 80-mile maximum distance from Owensboro, Kentucky.
$150 minimum order is required for delivery
$25 delivery fee applies

Local Meet-Up

Local meet-up is available.
After order we will contact you by email, or through Facebook or Instagram Messenger.
We will arrange a date, time, and public location to meet.

Shipping & Live Arrival

Live fish are shipped Monday–Wednesday (weather permitting) to reduce transit risk. Please review our How Shipping Works page and DOA Policy before ordering.