Malawi Cuckoo Catfish
Image: Paweł Cieśla <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Staszek_Szybki_Jest" title="User:Staszek Szybki Jest">Staszek_Szybki_Jest</a> (CC BY-SA 4.0)
NameMalawi Cuckoo Catfish
Scientific NameSynodontis njassae
Common NamesMalawi Cuckoo Catfish, Spotted Squeaker, Nyasa Squeaker, Malawi Squeaker
FamilyMochokidae
OriginLake Malawi, Africa
Temperamentsemi-aggressive
Dietomnivore
Care Levelintermediate
Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)75
Max Size (Inches)10
Water TypeFreshwater
Temperature Range (°F)72-82
pH Range7.5-8.5
Compatible SpeciesLake Malawi Cichlids, Mbuna Cichlids, Peacock Cichlids, Haplochromis Cichlids, Other robust, similarly sized African cichlids
Description
The Malawi Cuckoo Catfish is a distinctive spotted catfish native to Lake Malawi. Known for its unique parasitic breeding strategy, it lays its eggs among those of mouthbrooding cichlids, which then raise the catfish fry. This nocturnal scavenger thrives in a well-decorated aquarium with plenty of hiding spots.
