Fishician®Diet
Carnivore/Omnivore – sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms, shrimp, snails; nocturnal scavenger
Aquarium species profile
Cuckoo Catfish
Synodontis multipunctatus · Africa (Lake Tanganyika — rocky littoral zones)
Minimum tank55 gal
Adult size11"
Care levelModerate
TemperamentSemi-Aggressive
Temperature73–82°F
pH range7.5–9.0
Compatible tank mates
Tanganyika mouthbrooding cichlids (Frontosa, Tropheus, Julidochromis), large robust fish
Tank mates to avoid
Small fish (will eat at night), invertebrates, tiny fry
Care notes
Remarkable brood parasite — sneaks its eggs into mouthbrooding cichlid's clutch during spawning. Host fish unknowingly raises Synodontis fry alongside (or instead of) own fry. Wild behavior is extraordinary. White body with black spots. Nocturnal. Actually peaceful during the day but will eat small fish at night. Hardy and easy to keep.
Check the whole aquarium. Tank size alone does not establish compatibility. Confirm adult size, water overlap, social grouping, territory, diet, and the individual animals before stocking.