Synodontis multipunctatus

Aquarium enthusiasts love Synodontis multipunctatus, also referred to as the "Multispotted Synodontis" or the "Cuckoo Catfish," because it is an interesting and eye-catching species of catfish. This fish, which is native to the African Congo River Basin, is well-known for its unusual look and fascinating behavior. The Multispotted Synodontis is a delightful addition to any aquarium setup due to its distinct spot pattern and playful antics.

The dotted pattern of Synodontis multipunctatus is one of its most distinctive characteristics. The fish has a speckly, almost starry appearance due to the many tiny spots all over its body. Each fish has a unique charm that is enhanced by the intensity variation of these spots. In addition to its strong, almost triangular body shape, the Multispotted Synodontis has long, flowing fins that add to its attractive appearance.

This particular catfish is well-known for its lively and occasionally mischievous demeanor. Since it is a nocturnal species, the night is when it is most active. It may be sleeping during the day in the tank’s decorations and plants, or it may be hiding somewhere. These fish are fascinating to watch despite their nocturnal habits, and they frequently exhibit increased activity and adventure during feeding periods.

It can be a fulfilling experience to keep Synodontis multipunctatus in an aquarium, but there are a few things you should keep in mind. Their favorite water conditions are slightly acidic to neutral, and they grow best in heavily planted tanks with lots of hiding spots. Although they can be territorial with their own kind, these fish are also known to be fairly peaceful, so it’s best to provide them lots of room and hiding places to reduce aggression.

The Multispotted Synodontis is an amazing addition to any aquarium, all things considered. Both novice and expert fish keepers will find it fascinating due to its remarkable appearance and unique behavior. This catfish will add a touch of exotic flair to your aquatic setup and improve the aesthetics of your tank with proper care and attention.

Habitat and habitat

This species is unique to East Africa’s Lake Tanganyika.

Extremely common in their natural environments, frequently found in big schools at 40 meters or deeper, where sunlight is hardly perceptible. It was once believed that this species of catfish was exclusively nocturnal, but a more accurate description might be "sensitive to light," as the fish greatly prefers dim light to go unnoticed in aquarium settings.

They inhabit places that alternate between sand and rocks. Where they are, in the depths, there are no plants. The chemical composition of the water is extremely stable at this depth because there isn’t any gas exchange like there is in the surf zone.

Description

The catfish has an elongated body with a primary color of light beige to gray. As it ages, the color of the head and upper body often darkens to a very appealing golden-bronze. The abdomen is pale, either spotted or not. The primary hue is dotted with rounded, dark spots of varying sizes; the body is covered in large spots, while the head is covered in smaller spots.

The rear edges of the dorsal and pectoral fins are white, with black triangles at their bases. This species’ triangles can be entirely dark or made up of tiny dots that are closely spaced. There are either no black triangles at all or very little development at the base of the ventral and anal fins. These fins may have a single black spot at their base. Adipose fin with upper edge in white. The caudal fin’s trailing edge is white, while the two lobes have a dark shaft extending from base to tip.

The spots on juveniles are bigger and occasionally blend together.

At least two varieties seem to exist: the northern one is the "original" form, and the southern one is lighter overall with more space between spots.

Size

Larger specimens measuring about 27 cm (11 in) have been documented in the wild, although most are 15 cm (6 in) in aquariums.

The spotted synodontis, or Synodontis multipunctatus, is an interesting species of catfish that is well-known in the aquarium community for its unusual appearance and captivating habits. This fish not only brings visual interest to any tank with its eye-catching spot pattern, but it also gets along well with other fish species. Aquarists can help to guarantee a healthy environment for this fascinating species by being aware of its care requirements, which include tank setup and diet.

Behavior and Compatibility

A stunning and resilient medium-sized catfish that would look fantastic in a tank alongside species from Lake Malawi or Tanganyika. Especially if housed in a group, they are frequently more active during the day than many other Synodonts.

Though they are a good addition to a community of cichlids in a hard water aquarium, ideally Mouthbrooding Cichlids, African Rift Lakes, they shouldn’t be kept with fish so small that they will consider them food.

Catfish should be kept in groups of four or more, as individual fish can be quite solitary and difficult to spot.

Aquarium

Since these catfish must be kept in groups, the ideal aquarium size is 120*30*30 cm, or 110 liters.

The ideal biotope aquarium is one that has a section of open water for swimming between a pile of rocks that form grottoes and crevices. It is located in Lake Tanganyika. Use sand or fine gravel as the substrate. The fish will be more visible when there is weak lighting.

Water parameters:

In the range of 24 to 28 °C pH: 7.5-8. Durability: 15–35 °C DH

These fish create a significant biological load in aquariums, so regular weekly water changes, efficient filtration, and aeration are essential.

Nutrition

When it comes to eating habits, synodontis are the most casual. They are omnivorous. Dry, canned, and frozen foods are all beneficial.

They also gladly consume plant-based foods that they will use their lower jaw teeth to scrape off, like cucumbers and shelled peas.

Sexual Dimorphism

Compared to males, mature females are plumper. Males have a taller, more pointed dorsal fin.

Genital papillae are used to identify males. Male papillae are pointed, about 3–4 mm in size, and slightly triangular in shape; female papillae are rounded.

Note that the majority of medium- and large-sized Synodontis species require at least two years to reach sexual maturity.

Breeding

Breeding Synodontis multipunctatus is somewhat difficult due to the intricate relationship between cuckoo catfish and cichlids; you will need to find suitable foster parents who are cichlids in order to raise your offspring. But it’s not impossible at all, and there’s a good chance of success.

In contrast to the majority of its genus, the Spotted Synodontis actually breeds frequently in aquariums, offering the aquarist the rare chance to see an uncommon spawning. It is the only fish with the brood parasitism spawning technique. Lake Tanganyika’s Synodontis catfish have evolved to toss their eggs to other cichlids, who then use their mouths to incubate the eggs. Catfish eggs develop more quickly than other fish eggs, and the first to hatch, the catfish fry, start eating the host fish’s eggs. Without realizing it, two cichlids start to defend the fry like they were their own.

This can be done relatively easily in aquariums. First, you need to prepare the spawning tank as if there were other fish in it that can eat the Synodontis eggs. It should contain piles of stones or shelters in the form of clay pots, only the design should be much simpler than in the species aquarium of Lake Tanganyika. This is because the adult fish should be removed after spawning. It is necessary to choose a suitable species of caring nanny. A good choice is the small Haplochromine cichlids of Lake Victoria and Malawi (see. below). Both species of fish should be kept in a pre-spawning state on a reinforced diet of live and frozen foods and the water should be very clean with a minimum of nitrates.

The male will keep a close eye on the cichlids’ behavior, and he will pursue the female as soon as he notices the first indications of spawning. The male will start pursuing her if she thinks the circumstances are right, while she waits for the cichlids to lay eggs. The catfish will race to lay and fertilize their eggs as soon as the cichlids start to spawn, all the while consuming as many of the cichlid eggs as possible. Since the male cichlids will fiercely defend the spawning area, this can be done multiple times.

The female cichlid will gather all of the eggs—including catfish—to carry in her mouth as soon as the spawning process is complete. The catfish can now be taken out of the aquarium. After about three days, synodontis fry typically hatch. Eggs and all previously hatched fry cichlids are their first foods. Foster parents may also be removed once they are freed from the cichlid’s involuntary mouth. The fry eat a lot; they start off eating Artemia nauplii until they are big enough to eat bigger food.

It is uncommon, but reproduction in aquariums has also been documented without the host fish species present. In nature, this is also possible (see below).

For up to fifteen years, Synodontis multispotted can survive in an aquarium.

Notes

There has never been a successful record of Tanganyika cichlid species spawning in an aquarium, which is why we suggested using non-Tanganyika cichlid hosts above! This might be the result of the evolutionary process seen in the lake, where a variety of cichlid species have seemingly learnt to forbid S. multipunctata from reproducing. Since Lake Malawi and Lake Victoria do not contain any parasitic catfish species, cichlids from these lakes are perfect for breeding tanks because they do not naturally sense the presence of S. multipunctata breeding.

As previously noted, spawnings of S. multipunctata have occasionally taken place without the presence of foster parents, proving that the species does not always require its eggs to be incubated in the mouth of another. Given the size of this species’ population and the relative rarity of eggs that are safely retained during brood parasitism, it is likely that this also happens in the wild. Several hundred eggs can be laid by a female S. multipunctata, however studies have shown that only a small percentage of mouthbrooding cichlids actually lay catfish eggs. Given the aforementioned information, it is reasonable to assume that, like many other Synodontis, this species is capable of independent reproduction.

Characteristic Details
Common Name Spotted Synodontis
Scientific Name Synodontis multipunctatus
Origin Central Africa, including Congo River Basin
Size Up to 6 inches (15 cm)
Appearance Light body with dark spots
Behavior Generally peaceful, may be territorial
Tank Requirements Minimum 30 gallons, prefers hiding spots
Water Conditions Warm (74-78°F or 23-26°C), soft to moderately hard water
Diet Omnivorous, eats pellets, flakes, and live foods
Compatibility Good with other peaceful fish of similar size
Special Notes Can be shy and may hide; good for community tanks with other non-aggressive fish

Known by many as the "Polka Dot Catfish," Synodontis multipunctatus is an eye-catching addition to any aquarium. This fish stands out in a tank thanks to its unique spotted pattern and lively personality. It is a favorite among aquarists due to its distinctive appearance and captivating behavior.

It’s crucial to provide Synodontis multipunctatus with a tank that closely resembles its natural habitat. This catfish will be happy and healthy in an aquarium that is well-planted, has hiding places, and has a gentle water flow. Though generally calm, these fish can be a little territorial, so make sure there’s enough room for them to mark their territory.

The feeding of Synodontis multipunctatus is not too complicated. Being omnivores, they can survive on a variety of foods, including frozen or live foods, premium pellets, and occasionally plant material. Their health and vibrant appearance will be enhanced by regular feeding and clean water.

All things considered, caring for Synodontis multipunctatus is a rewarding experience that will enhance the beauty and intrigue of your aquarium. These adorable fish can be a vibrant and long-lasting addition to your aquatic setup given the correct conditions.

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Ivan Kononov

Experienced aquarist with an emphasis on breeding and keeping exotic aquarium fish. Author of many articles and books on the topic of aquarium keeping. Always in search of new species and interesting solutions for home aquariums. I believe that an aquarium is not only a home decoration, but also a means of studying nature and its laws.

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