Synodontis multipunctatus
| Common Names: | Cuckoo Catfish |
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| Family: | Mochokidae |
| Category: | Catfish_Bottom_Feeders |
| Distribution: | Africa; Lake Tanganyika, Africa. |
| Main Ecosystem: | Rift Lake; Rift Lake |
| Temperament: | Peaceful; Peaceful, very active. Adults may quarrel at times but if kept in a large enough tank both will become solitary. |
| Diet: | Ominvore; Ominvore |
| Care: | Feed sinking pellets and brine shrimp. Caves and hiding places among rocks and slate are recommended. Water must have a high carbonate hardness as for rift lake cichlids. Cuckoo Catfish like some water movement. Sensitive to nitrates. |
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| Potential Size: | Male: 15cm (5.9") Female: 15cm (5.9") |
| Water Region: | Bottom; Bottom |
| Activity: | Nocturnal; Nocturnal |
| Gender: | Can only be sexed by venting. Females have a round papilla, where as the male have a pointed papilla that is approximately 3-5 mm, and gives the appearance of slightly triangular in shape. |
| Breeding: | Has been accomplished in an aquarium. The Cuckoo Catfish lays its eggs at the same time as certain Haplochromis species. The catfish eggs are also taken into the female Hap's mouth, where they are incubated with the other eggs. The catfish hatch first and consume the other eggs while the female Hap protects the catfish fry as if they were her own. |
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| Comments: | An excellent companion for rift lake cichlids. |
| Main Colours: | White, Black, Brown |
| Markings: | Spots Large |
| Mouth: | Downturned |
| Tail: | Forked |
| Search: | Show similar species Find compatible species |
| Image Credit: | © FishProfiles.com |
| Submitted By: | Adam |
| History: | View changes to this profile |
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