Synodontis multipunctatus

Common name Cuckoo Synodontis, Cuckoo catfish, Many-Spotted catfish Picture of Synodontis multipunctatus
Photo above taken at Wharf Aquatics
© Sean Evans

© Sean Evans

Scientific name Synodontis multipunctatus

Synonyms

Size Up to 6" (15cm), females larger

Origin Lake Tanganyika, E. Africa

Tank setup Large tank, with lots of rocky decor to provide caves.

Compatibility Usually kept with cichlids of Malawi and Tanganyika. Slightly territorial towards its own species, but much less so than many Synodontis species.

Temperature 22-26^oC (72-79^oF)

Water chemistry Hard and alkaline, pH 7.5-8.5

Feeding An insectivore, so live or frozen foods may be prefered, but will accept flake and tablet foods. Snail eater.

Sexing Males tend to be smaller and may have longer pectoral spines. Like other Synodontis, it may also be possible to see a short papillae close to the males vent.

Breeding The common name of 'Cuckoo' derives from this catfishes habit of swimming between spawning cichlids, eating their eggs and depositing their own. The eggs are then picked up by the mouthbrooding female cichlid and the resulting fry raised with her own fry.

Comments A very attractively patterned catfish which makes an ideal and interesting addition to a Rift Lake setup of Malawi or Tanganyika cichlids. They are often more active in the daytime than many other Synodontis, especially if a small group is kept.

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This website was last updated on 18th January 2008

Common name	Cuckoo Synodontis, Cuckoo catfish, Many-Spotted catfish	Photo above taken at Wharf Aquatics `© Sean Evans` `© Sean Evans`
Scientific name	Synodontis multipunctatus
Synonyms
Size	Up to 6" (15cm), females larger
Origin	Lake Tanganyika, E. Africa
Tank setup	Large tank, with lots of rocky decor to provide caves.
Compatibility	Usually kept with cichlids of Malawi and Tanganyika. Slightly territorial towards its own species, but much less so than many Synodontis species.
Temperature	22-26^oC (72-79^oF)
Water chemistry	Hard and alkaline, pH 7.5-8.5
Feeding	An insectivore, so live or frozen foods may be prefered, but will accept flake and tablet foods. Snail eater.
Sexing	Males tend to be smaller and may have longer pectoral spines. Like other Synodontis, it may also be possible to see a short papillae close to the males vent.
Breeding	The common name of 'Cuckoo' derives from this catfishes habit of swimming between spawning cichlids, eating their eggs and depositing their own. The eggs are then picked up by the mouthbrooding female cichlid and the resulting fry raised with her own fry.
Comments	A very attractively patterned catfish which makes an ideal and interesting addition to a Rift Lake setup of Malawi or Tanganyika cichlids. They are often more active in the daytime than many other Synodontis, especially if a small group is kept.