Cuckoo Catfish

Synodontis multipunctatus

Cuckoo Catfish is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerBeginner – Intermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 27.5 cm (≤ 10.8 in)
Aquarium size: 200 L or larger / ≥ 120 cm (≥ 47.2 in) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 23–27 °C
pH: 7.5–8.5
GH: 15–35 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 15 years

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 15 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 200 L or larger / ≥ 120 cm (≥ 47.2 in) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 23–27 °C, pH 7.5–8.5, GH 15–35 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Cuckoo Catfish is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Cuckoo Catfish should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Make sure food reaches the substrate before faster fish take it.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 200 L or larger / ≥ 120 cm (≥ 47.2 in) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Offer a varied diet suitable for an omnivorous bottom-dwelling fish.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

African Glass Catfish Pareutropius debauwi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 10 cm (≤ 3.9 in) 22–27 °C Ajamaru Rainbowfish Melanotaenia ajamaruensis Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 10 cm (≤ 3.9 in) 27–30 °C Asian Bumblebee Catfish Pseudomystus siamensis Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 15 cm (≤ 5.9 in) 20–26 °C Barred Danio Devario pathirana Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 8 cm (≤ 3.1 in) 20–26 °C Bengal Loach Botia dario Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 15 cm (≤ 5.9 in) 23–27 °C Blue Diamond Tetra Alestopetersius smykalai Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 6 cm (≤ 2.4 in) 23–27 °C

FAQ

How large does Cuckoo Catfish get?

Cuckoo Catfish reaches ≤ 27.5 cm (≤ 10.8 in). Allow for adult swimming space, filtration, and compatible companions.

What aquarium size does Cuckoo Catfish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 200 L or larger / ≥ 120 cm (≥ 47.2 in) minimum length.

Is Cuckoo Catfish peaceful?

Yes. Cuckoo Catfish is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Cuckoo Catfish?

Keep it between 23 to 27 °C.