Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Cuckoo Catfish
Synodontis multipunctatus Boulenger, 1898
Also called Cuckoo squeaker, Multipunk, Cuckoo synodontis
From Endemic to Lake Tanganyika and tributaries of the Malagarasi in East Africa, living over mud and rocks down to about 100 m.123
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Scaleless squeaker catfish
A neat, spotted catfish with a pale body covered in large dark spots, a bony head, strong fin spines and long barbels. In aquariums it usually stays nearer 15 cm than its wild maximum.32
Personality what they are like
A lively catfish that tends to become more territorial with age, especially toward other Synodontis, while living calmly alongside cichlids.23
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Busy and visible for a catfish, often foraging in daylight as well as at night.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Suits a Lake Tanganyika or Malawi cichlid tank. Give fine sand for digging and plenty of caves, stones or clay pots.32
Home where they are happiest
Hard, alkaline water of about 21 to 26 C, pH 7.2 to 8.2 and hardness 10 to 20 dGH; around 450 litres for a group of 5 to 8.13
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A bottom forager that takes snails and other small creatures in the wild; in captivity it accepts frozen foods, mosquito larvae and sinking pellets.13
Company who they like around
Best kept in a group of more than three to spread out competition, with mouthbrooding cichlids as companions.23
The story where it all began
Boulenger described the species from Lake Tanganyika in 1898. It became famous in the aquarium hobby once keepers learned that it breeds alongside mouthbrooding cichlids.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It is the only fish known to be a brood parasite: it slips its eggs among spawning mouthbrooding cichlids so the cichlid mother carries them.2
- 2
Its eggs look so much like the host's that the cichlid picks them up into her mouth along with her own.3
- 3
The young catfish hatch first and spend about two weeks inside the host's mouth before swimming free.3
- 4
In Lake Tanganyika it gathers in large schools at around 40 m depth.2
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 28 February 2025)1
- Taxonomy
- Described by Boulenger in 18981
- Family
- Mochokidae (squeakers or upside-down catfishes)1
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Cuckoo Catfish. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Cuckoo Catfish?
Feed small amounts once or twice daily, as Furry Diary's starting plan suggests. This lively catfish forages day and night, so a regular feeding schedule keeps it happy.2 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Cuckoo Catfish eat, and what should it never eat?
In the wild it eats snails and small creatures; in captivity it accepts frozen foods, mosquito larvae and sinking pellets. Never feed anything that could harm its sensitive bottom-feeding nature, stick to quality sinking foods.13
How much space does a Cuckoo Catfish need?
A group of 5 to 8 Cuckoo Catfish needs about 450 litres of water. Provide fine sand for digging and plenty of caves, stones or clay pots.132
What temperature, light or water does a Cuckoo Catfish need?
It needs hard, alkaline water at 21 to 26°C, pH 7.2 to 8.2 and hardness 10 to 20 dGH. Furry Diary's plan suggests checking temperature daily and testing water weekly.13 Pet Wiki plan
How often should I clean a Cuckoo Catfish's home?
Furry Diary's starting plan recommends a weekly 25% water change, along with cleaning the glass and testing the water. Rinse the filter monthly in old tank water, never tap water. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Cuckoo Catfish live with others?
Yes, it's best kept in a group of more than three to spread out competition, and it lives calmly alongside mouthbrooding cichlids. It may become territorial toward other Synodontis as it ages.23
How long does a Cuckoo Catfish live?
Lifespan varies; ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet for specific guidance.
Can I handle a Cuckoo Catfish?
Handling is not recommended for this scaleless catfish with strong fin spines. It's best admired in its tank. For any health concerns, consult a vet.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Polka-dot SynodontisWhere this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
- FishBase: Synodontis multipunctatus fishbase.seused for distribution, size, temperature, hardness, diet, IUCN
- Wikipedia: Synodontis multipunctatus en.wikipedia.orgused for names, brood parasitism, behaviour, group keeping
- Wikipedia (German): Synodontis multipunctatus de.wikipedia.orgused for appearance, aquarium parameters, diet, breeding details
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.