Community Spotlight: Dwarf Pink Petricola Catfish
A Cat of a Different Color
There’s something extra fun about finding a fish that checks all the boxes: striking looks, quirky behavior, community compatibility—and a life story wild enough to make Attenborough raise an eyebrow.
Meet the Dwarf Pink Petricola Catfish (Synodontis petricola "Pink"), a selectively bred color morph of the beloved Dwarf Cuckoo Catfish, aka Leopard Synodontis (Synodontis petricola). The OG version is already famous for its peaceful nature and fascinating breeding behavior—but the pink variant brings a fresh twist with its soft, blush tones and subtle patterning.
If you’re looking to add something rare, reliable, and undeniably cool to your tank, you’re in for a treat.
A rare glimpse of the elusive Pink Petricola in motion — unlike many bottom-dwelling catfish, this species is an excellent midwater swimmer, often cruising through open areas with surprising grace.
The original Dwarf Cuckoo Catfish, also known as the Leopard Synodontis, showcases its classic dark body and bold spotted pattern. Unlike its pink variant, this natural form has a higher contrast coloration and wild-type markings, while the Pink Petricola sports a softer blush tone with lighter, more subtle spots—both share the same quirky behavior, but the Pink brings a whole new aesthetic twist.
🎭 The Secret Life of a Parasite (But Make It Cute)
The real plot twist? These fish start life as parasitic mouthbrooders. Here's the story:
When cichlids lay their eggs, Dwarf Petricola sneak in and drop off a few of their own. The cichlid—blissfully unaware—scoops up the catfish eggs with their own and broods them in their mouth. The catfish fry hatch first, absorb their yolk sacs, and then eat the cichlid’s fry from inside the host’s mouth. Savage. Efficient. Absolutely fascinating.
Once they're grown, though? Totally chill. Dwarf Pink Petricola are peaceful, sociable, and great for most community tanks—as long as you keep shrimp out of the picture.
🌿 Aquascaping for the Pink Petricola
These catfish come from the rocky shorelines of Lake Tanganyika, and they feel most at home in setups that reflect that vibe.
Here’s how to create the perfect layout:
🪨 Hardscape Heaven
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Use smooth stones, slate, or river rock to create caves and ledges.
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Malaysian driftwood adds visual interest and tannins for comfort.
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A dark substrate helps show off their pink coloration.
Pacific Driftwood adds a natural, rugged texture to your aquascape—perfect for Pink Petricola Catfish, who love exploring crevices and shaded overhangs. Its dense structure also helps anchor mosses and botanicals for added cover and biofilm growth.
🌱 Plant Life
They won’t dig up plants, so feel free to go lush!
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Anubias, Java Fern, and Bolbitis are ideal for tying to rocks and wood.
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Floating plants like Frogbit or Duckweed help dim the lighting and bring out their natural behavior.
Java Fern and Cholla Wood make the perfect combo for Dwarf Pink Petricola Catfish—offering low-maintenance plant cover and naturally porous hiding spots. These fish love weaving through crevices and lounging in shaded zones, so this setup mimics their rocky, sheltered habitats beautifully.
🍂 Botanicals for Bonus Comfort
Add a natural touch (and biofilm boost) with our Aquatic Arts Botanical Combo Pack. It includes items like:
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Indian Almond Leaves for tannins and shelter
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Alder Cones for natural antimicrobial benefits
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Seed pods and bark that provide hiding spots and surface area for beneficial bacteria
These additions mimic the leaf-litter-rich habitats where fish like this evolved—and they look incredible in a well-scaped tank.
🍽 What’s on the Menu?
They’re not picky, but variety is key. Give them a balanced bottom-feeder diet that includes:
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Sinking carnivore pellets
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Frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, or daphnia
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Veggie bits like algae wafers or blanched cucumber/zucchini
Feed once or twice a day—just make sure food hits the bottom where they can reach it.
💕 Tank Mates and Behavior
Dwarf Pink Petricola are social, peaceful, and full of charm when kept in groups of 3 or more. They're ideal for:
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African Cichlid tanks (they love hard water!)
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Larger community fish like tetras, rainbows, and barbs
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Anyone who wants a quirky, low-drama bottom-dweller
Just keep them away from shrimp—Neocaridina and other small inverts are likely to disappear over time.
A Pink Petricola glides effortlessly along the substrate—these catfish have specialized sensory barbels that help them locate food in low-light conditions, making them excellent for twilight or dimly lit aquariums.
❓ Dwarf Pink Petricola Q&A: Top 10 Most Asked Questions
Q: How big do Dwarf Pink Petricola Catfish get?
A: They typically reach 3 to 4 inches in length.
Q: Can beginners keep them?
A: Absolutely. They're hardy, peaceful, and adaptable to a range of conditions.
Q: Are they shrimp-safe?
A: Nope! These catfish will eat shrimp, especially smaller species and fry.
Q: Do they need to be in groups?
A: Yes. They’re more confident, active, and natural when kept in groups of 3 or more.
Q: What kind of tank setup is best?
A: A rocky, cave-filled aquascape with moderate flow and hard water is ideal.
Q: Are they aggressive?
A: Not at all! They’re super peaceful with fish around their own size.
Q: What pH and temperature do they prefer?
A:
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pH: 7.5 – 8.5
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Temp: 75° – 82°F (24° – 28°C)
Q: Do they help clean the tank?
A: They’ll eat leftover food, but they’re not algae eaters. Think scavenger, not janitor.
Q: Can they be bred in home aquariums?
A: It’s rare, especially due to their parasitic strategy, but not impossible in the right setup.
Q: How long do they live?
A: With good care, they can live 6–8 years or more.
Final Thoughts
The Dwarf Pink Petricola Catfish is more than just a pretty face. It’s the pink, pint-sized relative of the classic Leopard Synodontis—armed with charm, personality, and one of the coolest origin stories in the fish world.
If you’re ready to add something unique and entertaining to your hardwater setup, this little cat is more than just a looker—it’s a legend in the making.
