Can Discus and Cuckoo Synodontis live together?

Discus and Cuckoo Synodontis are not compatible. The comparison on this page runs the same compatibility engine as the tank builder, checking temperature and pH overlap, predation by size, temperament, and known hard-pair conflicts.

Species Comparison

Discus vs Cuckoo Synodontis

Discus

Symphysodon aequifasciatus

Cuckoo Synodontis

Synodontis multipunctatus

Verdict:Not compatible

Side-by-side specs

Cichlids

Family

Catfish

6″

Adult size

5″

75gal

Min tank

55gal

82–88°F

Temperature

75–81°F

5.5–7

7.8–9

peaceful

Temperament

semi-aggressive

Schooling

mid

Water level

bottom

Compatibility notes

criticalDiscus (82–88°F) and Cuckoo Synodontis (75–81°F) need different temperatures.
warnDiscus prefers pH 5.5–7, Cuckoo Synodontis prefers 7.8–9 — water chemistry mismatch.

Try both in the builder →Compare different species