Species Profile
Cuckoo Synodontis
Synodontis multipunctatus
Catfishsemi-aggressive
Adult size
5″
Minimum tank
55 gal
Temperature
75–81°F
pH
7.8–9
Schooling
Group of 3+
Water level
bottom
Diet
Sinking pellets, frozen, live
Notes
The original cuckoo catfish, spotted Tanganyikan that lays its eggs in mouthbrooding cichlid broods; the catfish fry hatch first and eat the cichlid babies. Works as a striking community catfish with Lake Tanganyikan cichlids.
Compatible Tankmates
Best tank mates for Cuckoo Synodontis
Every species below passes the compatibility engine when paired with Cuckoo Synodontisin a suitably sized tank. Verdicts come from the same rules the builder uses — click a card to see that species' own care profile and its tank mates in turn.
Fancy Guppy
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Platy
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Molly
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Swordtail
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Bronze Corydoras
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Bloodfin Tetra
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Boesemani Rainbowfish
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Sailfin Molly
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Buenos Aires Tetra
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Three-Spot Gourami
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Convict Cichlid
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Denison's Barb
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Photo: Mario Rubio García / Wikimedia Commons · Source · CC-BY-2.0