What the cuckoo catfish is
The cuckoo catfish (Synodontis multipunctatus), also called the cuckoo squeaker, comes from Lake Tanganyika in Africa. It is best known as a brood parasite: it lets mouthbrooding cichlids raise its young, much as cuckoo birds use other birds’ nests. This is why it is popular in Tanganyikan and other African cichlid aquariums.
Cuckoo vs dwarf cuckoo
Sellers sometimes label Synodontis petricola as the “dwarf cuckoo catfish”. It is a separate, smaller species. If you want the smaller fish, read our petricola catfish size and temperament guide.
Size
Reference sources give a maximum length of around 27 cm (about 10.8 inches) in the wild, while in aquariums they are more often described as reaching around 15 cm (about 6 inches). Plan for a fish that is larger than a typical small catfish, and for a group.
Tank setup
- Tank size: Choose a tank large enough for a group plus tank mates. Cichlid tanks of a few feet in length or more are typical, and bigger is better.
- Sand or gravel: Do catfish prefer sand or gravel? Sand or fine, smooth gravel is a safer choice for bottom-feeding catfish, since it is gentle on the barbels.
- Decor: Provide rock caves and driftwood so each fish has somewhere to retreat.
- Water: Lake Tanganyika is hard and alkaline. Tank-bred fish can be adaptable, but a stable setup suited to cichlids is usually appropriate. Keep up with water changes.
Feeding
What food do catfish like the most? Cuckoo catfish are generalists, so they accept a wide range of foods. Offer sinking pellets or wafers, and frozen or live foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp, with some plant-based food now and then. Feed after lights-out if they are shy, and make sure they get their share in a busy cichlid tank.
Behavior and group size
Reference material says they can be quite aggressive and territorial toward other Synodontis species, and suggests keeping them in groups of more than three to spread out aggression. They appear active in the day and at night. Are cuckoo catfish aggressive toward other fish? Mostly toward their own kind and similar catfish; with large, robust fish they generally get along, but tiny fish can be eaten.
Tank mates
Robust African cichlids are the classic partners. Avoid very small fish and very aggressive predators. Mixing several Synodontis species may lead to bullying, so be cautious. For a very different, much smaller catfish, see the stone catfish care guide.
Breeding and brood parasitism
In nature the catfish spawn when mouthbrooding cichlids are laying eggs. They release their eggs among the cichlid eggs, and the cichlid collects both into her mouth. The catfish fry hatch and are reported to eat the cichlid young inside the mouth. In aquariums, breeding is possible if suitable host cichlids are present, though results vary. Be aware that this can reduce the number of cichlid fry in a breeding tank.
Growth of young fish
How long does it take for a 3 inch catfish to grow? For Synodontis, juveniles generally grow steadily over a year or two depending on food, tank size and temperature. Exact timelines are not well documented, so use them as rough guidance only.
FAQ
Why is it called a cuckoo catfish? Because it uses mouthbrooding cichlids to raise its young.
How many should I keep? Groups of more than three are recommended in reference material.
Are they good for beginners? They are hardy relative to many catfish, but they need a cichlid-style setup and enough space.