Synodontis multipunctatus (Cuckoo Catfish) 4-5 cm

Origin & Habitat

• Native Range: Endemic to Lake Tanganyika, Africa.

• Habitat: Inhabits the littoral to benthic zones over shell, sand, and mud bottoms, typically at depths up to 170 meters. 

🐠 Appearance & Behavior

• Size: Typically reaches up to 27.5 cm (10.8 inches) in length.

• Coloration: Features a tan or gold body adorned with black spots that increase in size from the head towards the tail. Dorsal, pectoral, and caudal fins are predominantly black with white edges, while the anal fins are pale with small black triangles near the body. Barbels are typically white.

• Temperament: Generally peaceful and active, exhibiting both diurnal and nocturnal activity. 

🏠 Aquarium Care

• Tank Size: Minimum of 200 liters (approximately 53 gallons) with a length of at least 120 cm (47 inches).

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F).

  • pH: 7.0–8.5.

  • Hardness: 10–35 dGH.

• Diet: Omnivorous; enjoys a variety of foods including sinking pellets, live or frozen foods, and occasional vegetables.

• Tankmates: Compatible with other peaceful species of similar size; avoid keeping with very small invertebrates.  

🧬 Breeding

• Reproduction: Practices brood parasitism; the female lays eggs in the spawning nests of mouthbrooding cichlids. The cichlid unknowingly collects the catfish eggs, which hatch and feed on the cichlid larvae.

• Captive Breeding: Breeding in captivity is rare and often achieved through hormone-induced methods.