CheckMyFishTankCuckoo Synodontis care
Synodontis multipunctatus · Freshwater · Intermediate level care
A spotted Lake Tanganyika catfish that works well with African cichlids.
Feeding
Once a day. One or two sinking pellets or wafers per fish, eaten within a few minutes. Sinking pellets, frozen foods, vegetable matter.
Eats fish small enough to fit in its mouth.
Good tank mates
Fish that pass every check with Cuckoo Synodontis in a 110 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.
Do not mix with
- Neon Tetra: Cuckoo Synodontis grows big enough to eat Neon Tetra.
- Cardinal Tetra: Cuckoo Synodontis grows big enough to eat Cardinal Tetra.
- Green Neon Tetra: Cuckoo Synodontis grows big enough to eat Green Neon Tetra.
- Black Neon Tetra: Cuckoo Synodontis grows big enough to eat Black Neon Tetra.
- Ember Tetra: Cuckoo Synodontis grows big enough to eat Ember Tetra.
- Lemon Tetra: Cuckoo Synodontis grows big enough to eat Lemon Tetra.
- Glowlight Tetra: Cuckoo Synodontis grows big enough to eat Glowlight Tetra.
- Serpae Tetra: Cuckoo Synodontis grows big enough to eat Serpae Tetra.
Questions
What size tank does a Cuckoo Synodontis need?
At least 55 gallons for a group of 4. Adults grow to about 6 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.
What temperature does a Cuckoo Synodontis like?
75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 7.5 to 8.5. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.
How many Cuckoo Synodontis should I keep together?
Keep 4 or more. They feel safe in a group and show better color and behavior.
What do Cuckoo Synodontis eat?
Sinking pellets, frozen foods, vegetable matter. Feed once a day: one or two sinking pellets or wafers per fish, eaten within a few minutes.
Sources
Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.