Cuckoo Synodontis (Synodontis multipunctatus) — Lake Tanganyika Form
Synodontis multipunctatus
Origin: Africa (Lake Tanganyika)
Water Parameters
Quick Stats
- Max Size
- 27 cm
- Min Tank
- 250 L
- Lifespan
- 15-20
- Swimming Level
- bottom
- Schooling
- No
- Diet
- omnivore
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive; competitive at feeding; brood parasite by nature
About
Synodontis multipunctatus is the famous 'Cuckoo Catfish' from Lake Tanganyika, uniquely known for brood parasitism — it times its spawning to coincide with mouthbrooding cichlids so that its eggs and fry are inadvertently raised by host cichlid mothers. Highly attractive with a creamy body densely covered in small dark spots, it thrives in hard, alkaline Tanganyikan water alongside appropriate cichlids.
Care Guide
Keep in Lake Tanganyika-style hard, alkaline water. House with mouthbrooding Tanganyikan cichlids (Tropheus, Cyphotilapia, Lamprologus) for natural behaviour. Feed quality sinking pellets, frozen meaty foods. Provide caves for daytime refuge. Keep in small groups of 3+ of the same species. One of the most fascinating catfish available.
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