Due to its small size it should be housed with cichlids which would not consider it food such as mouth-brooding species of cichlids from the Rift Lake origin. It can be kept with tropical fish like rainbow fish and livebearers. Dwarf Lake Synodontis should be kept in small groups of four or more because solitary specimens tend to hide.
False Cuckoo Synodontis are
listed on the IUCN red list of endangered species but assessed as least concern with no major widespread threats; however, it is threatened locally from overfishing and siltation. S. petricola is said to require added oxygen which can be accomplished with a
strong current from using powerheads or from a canister filter with a spray bar. The strong currents will be a rich source of well-oxygenated water. Known to be omnivores in the wild this species will eagerly accept meaty and herbivore based foods which include spirulina sinking pellets, flake food and freeze dried bloodworms or tubifex. Synodontis petricola tolerate a wide range of water conditions and be housed with African which will not consider them food.
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