Cuckoo Catfish (Synodontis multipunctatus)

Synodontis multipuntatus is also known as the Cuckoo Catfish, Cuckoo Squeaker or Multipunk. This unique fish is very playful and active during the day and night. They are best kept in groups of 3 or more.

The name Cuckoo Catfish is derived from their parasitic breeding behavior. The smell of spawning cichlids excites S. multipunctatus into spawning, and as the cichlids lay their eggs the catfish will quickly slip in and eat the eggs before they can be collected by the mother. While doing so they also release and fertilise their own eggs. The female cichlid will hastily attempt to scoop up her eggs and, in doing so, will also collect eggs from S. multipunctatus. These eggs will then hatch inside the unwilling adoptive mother's mouth, and proceed to eat the cichlid eggs present before being released by the cichlid. This technique removes the burden of parental care from the S. multipunctatus, and allows them to breed again sooner.

Cuckoo Squeakers grow very slowly and can reach six inches. They are a very hardy fish.