Cuckoo Catfish

If you’re looking to bring action, uniqueness, and a touch of the wild into your aquarium, the Cuckoo Catfish (Synodontis multipunctatus) is a perfect choice. Native to the deep, clear waters of Lake Tanganyika, this striking species is renowned for its high-energy behavior, bold personality, and fascinating reproductive habits that make it one of the most talked-about catfish in the hobby.

At PacificFishDepot.com, we provide healthy, ethically sourced Cuckoo Catfish, shipped live to aquarium enthusiasts across Canada and the USA. Whether you’re building an African cichlid tank or want a standout bottom-dweller, the Cuckoo Catfish delivers both beauty and behavior in one impressive package.

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What Is a Cuckoo Catfish?

The Cuckoo Catfish (Synodontis multipunctatus) is a fast-swimming, social species of upside-down catfish that grows to about 6–7 inches in captivity. Named for their unusual “brood parasitism” spawning method, these catfish lay their eggs alongside mouthbrooding cichlids—allowing the cichlids to unknowingly raise the catfish fry!

This evolutionary marvel is just one of many reasons aquarists love the Cuckoo Catfish. Covered in creamy white spots over a gray to brown base and adorned with long, flowing barbels and graceful fins, they are undeniably eye-catching.

But these fish aren’t just beautiful—they’re active, engaging, and full of character.

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Why Buy Cuckoo Catfish from PacificFishDepot.com?

We understand that when purchasing rare or exotic fish online, quality and trust are everything. That’s why aquarists from across North America choose PacificFishDepot.com as their go-to source for rare freshwater fish like the Cuckoo Catfish.

✅ Ethically Sourced and Quarantined

Every Cuckoo Catfish we offer is either tank-raised or sustainably collected, and then placed in individual quarantine to ensure they arrive healthy, disease-free, and stress-free.

✅ Fast, Safe, Insulated Shipping to Canada & USA

With our specialized live animal shipping protocols, we can deliver Cuckoo Catfish to your door anywhere in the USA or Canada using insulated packaging, heat/cold packs, and overnight shipping options.

✅ Live Arrival Guarantee

We proudly back every order with a Live Arrival Guarantee. In the rare event your fish doesn’t make it, we’ll refund or replace it—your satisfaction is our priority.

✅ Expert Support

New to catfish? Have questions about compatibility? Our team is ready to provide personalized support before and after your purchase.

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Species Overview

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Fascinating Behavior

The Cuckoo Catfish is one of the most active and social Synodontis species, making it a dynamic presence in your tank. They’re often seen darting in and out of rockwork, racing during feeding time, and occasionally showing off their upside-down swimming trick.

But their most famous behavior is their reproductive mimicry. Instead of raising their own young, they sneak their eggs into the mouths of spawning cichlids, which then incubate and raise the catfish fry. It’s nature’s version of the ultimate bait-and-switch!

While you may not see this behavior unless you’re breeding cichlids, it still gives the species a legendary reputation among aquarists.

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Ideal Aquarium Setup

To keep your Cuckoo Catfish happy and thriving, mimic their natural Tanganyikan environment:

✔ Tank Size

Minimum 55 gallons for a group, but ideally 75+ gallons if you plan on keeping them with African cichlids.

✔ Substrate & Decor

• Sand or fine gravel substrate

• Plenty of rock caves and crevices for hiding

• Driftwood and PVC tubes work well too

• Moderate lighting to encourage activity

✔ Filtration

They’re active and somewhat messy eaters. Use a powerful canister or sponge filter that keeps the water clean and well-oxygenated.

✔ Water Chemistry

• pH: 7.8 to 8.6

• Hardness: 10–20 dGH

• Temperature: 74–80°F

These fish thrive in hard, alkaline water, making them ideal tank mates for African Rift Lake cichlids.

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Feeding and Diet

Cuckoo Catfish are voracious omnivores with a preference for protein-rich foods. In the wild, they feed on insect larvae, crustaceans, and organic detritus.

Best Foods:

• Sinking pellets or catfish wafers

• Frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis

• Chopped earthworms or blackworms

• Algae wafers (as occasional supplement)

Feed them once or twice daily. They’re quick eaters, so ensure bottom-feeding foods reach them before your cichlids grab everything!

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Tank Mates & Compatibility

Cuckoo Catfish are best kept with robust, similarly sized species. They’re peaceful but assertive, so they can hold their own in a Tanganyikan or Mbuna cichlid tank.

Compatible Tank Mates:

• Tanganyikan Cichlids (e.g., Tropheus, Julidochromis, Neolamprologus)

• Mbuna and Haplochromis Cichlids

• Other Synodontis catfish

• Larger Rainbowfish

• Giant Danios

Avoid housing them with slow, timid fish like angelfish or small tetras—they’ll be outcompeted at feeding time.

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Breeding Cuckoo Catfish

Breeding this species is one of the most fascinating spectacles in the freshwater world. But it only occurs when kept with mouthbrooding African cichlids.

During cichlid spawning, the Cuckoo Catfish rush in to lay their eggs among the cichlid eggs. The cichlid collects all the eggs in her mouth and unknowingly raises the catfish fry, which often outcompete or consume the cichlid fry.

If you’re interested in breeding, you’ll need:

• A group of Cuckoo Catfish (3–6)

• A compatible mouthbrooding cichlid species (e.g., Haplochromis or Tropheus)

• A spacious, rock-filled aquarium

• High-protein diet to condition both species

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Benefits of Owning a Cuckoo Catfish

✅ Unique Personality: Spirited, social, and endlessly entertaining
✅ Active Bottom-Dweller: Keeps the tank lively, even at night
✅ Hardy and Long-Lived: Ideal for beginner to advanced aquarists
✅ Perfect for Cichlid Tanks: Naturally suited to aggressive, alkaline environments
✅ Educational Value: Witness one of nature’s rare reproductive strategies

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How to Order from PacificFishDepot.com

Ordering your Cuckoo Catfish from PacificFishDepot.com is simple, secure, and backed by our quality guarantee.

1. Visit our Cuckoo Catfish page on PacificFishDepot.com.

2. Select quantity and add to cart.

3. Proceed through our secure checkout.

4. Choose shipping options (overnight recommended).

5. Receive tracking and live arrival instructions.

6. Introduce your new fish to its home—stress-free!

We also provide care sheets, support, and post-purchase assistance so you can keep your fish thriving for years to come.

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🛒 5 Transactional FAQs

1. Do you ship Cuckoo Catfish across the USA and Canada?

Yes! We proudly ship to all major cities and provinces in Canada and the USA. Our live fish are packed with temperature control and oxygen to ensure safe arrival.

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2. What size are the Cuckoo Catfish you sell?

We typically ship juveniles between 2.5 to 4 inches in length. These sizes ensure better acclimation and allow your fish to grow and adapt to your tank naturally.

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3. What happens if my fish arrives dead or sick?

No worries—your order is backed by our Live Arrival Guarantee. Just send us a photo within 2 hours of delivery, and we’ll offer a refund or a replacement.

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4. Can Cuckoo Catfish live alone, or do they need to be in groups?

While they can live alone, Cuckoo Catfish do better in small groups of 3 or more. They’re social and often display schooling behavior when kept together.

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5. Are these fish compatible with African cichlids?

Absolutely! These catfish are naturally found in Lake Tanganyika, making them ideal companions for Tanganyikan or Mbuna cichlids in high pH setups.