Cuckoo Catfish
Image: Moore, John Edward S (No restrictions)
NameCuckoo Catfish
Scientific NameSynodontis multipunctatus
Common NamesCuckoo Catfish, Multi-spotted Synodontis, Multipunctatus Catfish
FamilyMochokidae
OriginLake Tanganyika, East Africa
Temperamentsemi-aggressive
Dietomnivore
Care Levelintermediate
Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)75
Max Size (Inches)11
Water TypeFreshwater
Temperature Range (°F)75-82
pH Range7.8-9.0
Compatible SpeciesFrontosa Cichlid, Julidochromis species, Neolamprologus species, Cyprichromis species, Other large, robust Lake Tanganyika cichlids
Description
The Cuckoo Catfish is a distinctive African rift lake species known for its spotted pattern and unique brood parasitic behavior. These bottom-dwelling omnivores can grow quite large and are best kept in a Tanganyika biotope. They are known to lay their eggs among those of mouth-brooding cichlids, which then raise the catfish fry.
