Cuckoo Catfish

Synodontis multipunctatus

Cuckoo Catfish is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer. Keep in a loose group of 4+.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerKeep in a loose group of 4+Beginner – Intermediate

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Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 10.8" (≤ 27.5 cm)
Aquarium size: 53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
pH: 7.5–8.5
GH: 15–35 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 15 years
Group behavior: Keep in a loose group of 4+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 15 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 24–28 °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.

Feed varied sinking prepared foods, live/frozen prey and some vegetable matter.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a loose group of 4+.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Similar fish profiles

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

Blue Eyed Congo Tetra Phenacogrammus aurantiacus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Blue Neon Cichlid Paracyprichromis nigripinnis Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 4.3" (≤ 11 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C) African Glass Catfish Pareutropius debauwi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) Ajamaru Rainbowfish Melanotaenia ajamaruensis Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.8" (≤ 9.7 cm) 81–86°F (27–30°C) Arulius Barb Dawkinsia tambraparniei Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 5.1" (≤ 13 cm) 64–77°F (18–25°C) Barito Loach Kapuasia falaris Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate 2.4–3.1" (6–8 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C)

FAQ

How large does Cuckoo Catfish get?

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

What aquarium size does Cuckoo Catfish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) 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 24 to 28 °C.

Should Cuckoo Catfish be kept alone or in a group?

Cuckoo Catfish: Keep in a loose group of 4+.