Multipunctatus Synodontis Catfish – Rick

Multipunctatus Catfish are just adorable! They are a type of Synodontis. However, they stay much smaller than some other synodontis do. They usually max out around 6 inches and should be kept in groups of three or more. We recommend keeping them with fish too large for them to swallow. Another interesting thing about Multipunctatus is that they have a very unusual spawning behavior. Being that they come from lake Tanganyika, they utilize cichlids mouth brooding behavior to their benefit. Once the cichlid drops its eggs, the catfish will quickly swoop in and eat some of the cichlids eggs and lay theirs in its place. The cichlid will pick up all of the eggs and hold them in her mouth. The catfish eggs will hatch first in her mouth and then feed on any cichlid fry that hatch afterwards. Overall, Multipunctatus catfish are a beautiful addition to most aquariums!