Cuckoo catfish facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cuckoo catfish |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification |
The cuckoo catfish, also called the cuckoo squeaker or multipunk, is a unique type of catfish. Its scientific name is Synodontis multipunctatus. This small fish comes from Lake Tanganyika in Africa. Lake Tanganyika is part of the huge Great Rift Valley lake system.
Cuckoo catfish are known for their special way of raising their young. They are brood parasites, which means they trick other fish into caring for their babies. They can grow up to about 27.5 centimeters (11 inches) long.
About Cuckoo Catfish
Synodontis multipunctatus is one of several kinds of upside-down catfish found in Lake Tanganyika. This lake is also famous for its many types of cichlid fish. Cuckoo catfish often gather in large groups. They usually live at depths of about 40 meters (130 feet) in the lake.
These catfish are very interesting because of how they breed. They are called "cuckoo catfish" because they act like cuckoo birds. Cuckoo birds lay their eggs in other birds' nests. Cuckoo catfish do something similar with other fish.
Lake Tanganyika has many cichlid fish that are "mouthbrooders." This means the mother fish carries her eggs and young in her mouth to keep them safe. The cuckoo catfish uses these cichlids, especially types like Ctenochromis horei and Simochromis babaulti, to raise their own young.
When cichlids are ready to lay eggs, the smell excites the cuckoo catfish. As the cichlids lay their eggs, the catfish quickly swim in. They eat some of the cichlid's eggs. While doing this, the catfish also release and fertilize their own eggs. The mother cichlid then tries to quickly scoop up her own eggs. But she accidentally collects the cuckoo catfish eggs too.
The catfish eggs hatch inside the cichlid's mouth. The baby catfish then eat the cichlid eggs that are also in the mouth. After a while, the cichlid releases the baby catfish. This clever trick means the cuckoo catfish don't have to care for their own young. It also lets them breed again sooner.
Cuckoo Catfish in Aquariums
Cuckoo catfish are popular fish for home aquariums, especially in tanks with cichlids. They usually grow to about 15 centimeters (6 inches) in an aquarium. People can even breed them in captivity if they have suitable host fish. Some fish keepers have successfully used cichlids from Lake Malawi and Lake Victoria as hosts, not just those from Lake Tanganyika.
These catfish can be quite active during the day and night. They can also be a bit aggressive towards other Synodontis species. It's best to keep them in groups of three or more. This helps prevent fighting between just two fish. Make sure to provide plenty of hiding spots and cave-like structures in the tank. If kept in larger groups, they are less likely to have problems with territory.
See also
- List of freshwater aquarium fish species
