Cuckoo Synodontis

Synodontis multipunctatus

A large-eyed spotted catfish known for brood parasitism.

Dark spots cover a yellow-grey to brown body. Notice the large eye, dark dorsal leading spine, forked tail with dark lobe bands and generally paler pelvic and anal fins.

Adult length: Up to 27.5 cm
Water temperature: 24–28 °C
Lifespan: 10–15 years
pH: 7.5–8.5
Hardness: 15–35 dGH

Natural habitat: Inhabits Lake Tanganyika, to which it is endemic.

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Appearance and identification

S. petricola usually has a white dorsal leading edge and darker lower fins. S. grandiops is a synonym, so the old name does not add another species.

Aquarium environment

Retain sheltered lower routes and use plants suited to alkaline water. Planting does not prevent predation or brood parasitism.

Diet and feeding

Feed complete sinking foods and suitable frozen foods. It eats snails but is not a cleaning fish.

Same-species behaviour

Provide stable alkaline water, clean conditions and several shelters. Keep four or more.

Compatibility limits

Small fish may be swallowed. Eggs can enter a mouthbrooding cichlid's brood and the catfish larvae consume host eggs or fry; this matters when raising cichlid young.

Sources

www.seriouslyfish.com ↗ 2026-10-22

www.scotcat.com ↗ 2026-10-22

doi.org ↗ 2026-10-22

api.gbif.org ↗ 2026-10-22