Catfish cuckoo - care and maintenance in the aquarium

Cuckoo catfish are also called multi-spotted synodontis, the fish got its second name due to its special external data. More recently, fish have become famous among domestic and foreign aquarists, but with each day the popularity of catfish is growing. Interesting in behavior, active, bright - it stands out among the rest of the aquatic inhabitants. The homeland of catfish is considered an African lake, where they were first seen and described.

Fish features

1. Aquarists with experience are familiar with catfish, but remember them by a different name. Otherwise, the represented family is called the synodontis, as well as the synodontis-dalmatian. They called the fish cuckoos, because they behave like birds.
2. Fish prefer tossing their eggs to clutches of fish from the cichlid family. It turns out that cichlids, at the same time as caring for their offspring, are still carrying someone else's. Fish, without suspecting anything, anxiously guard their future fry. But catfishes appear earlier, eating the remnants of eggs of cichlids. It turns out that catfish destroy fry of other fish.
3. According to their external data, cuckoo catfish differ when it comes to individuals of male and female gender. In the pet store, you need to pay attention to size, the female is smaller in size, and the males are larger. Typically, such catfish appear in stores when a specialist cleans the cichlid. Fish get along well with aquatic representatives from America and Africa.
4. As for temperament, catfish are very active, but can also lead a calm lifestyle. Some aquarists say they can watch the games and chases of these fish one after another for hours. At another moment, they are already scattering in the corners and quietly dozing.
5. When the male begins to behave more actively than usual, chasing the female around the aquarium, this indicates the approach of spawning. He will pursue her everywhere, until the female individual hides. But the male representative is stubbornly tracking her.
6. Before spawning, females become round and heavy. If the laying of eggs occurs in a common aquarium, other fish will immediately eat the future offspring. Because cuckoo catfish are very inattentive parents.
7. With regard to external data, catfish streamlined, flattened, elongated along the body. On the lower lip there are 3 pairs of antennae. The color of the fish is spotty, the males are bright and collected, the fin is larger on the back. Females are rounded and thick, not so colorful. Representatives of this family can live in the aquarium for up to 15 years, which is impressive and allows you to attribute them to centenarians.

Content

1. The fish are large enough, so they need a spacious home. Cuckoos reach a length of 15 cm. Experts advise to allocate at least 100 liters per individual. water area.
2. Make sure that the tank is equipped with an external filter element. Aeration is also important. Fish are hiding, there should be many grottoes, pipes, various stones and vegetation. Weekly, 30% of the water is drained, a new one, prepared in advance, is added instead.
3. For the cuckoos to feel comfortable, they need a temperature range of 23–28 degrees. Acidity should be 7-8 units, and hardness - 10-20 units.
4. Soma, by their natural characteristics, eat everything, therefore it is allowed to give them animal and vegetable food. Fishes of the represented family are systematically fed with lettuce, peas, cucumber, zucchini and spirulina. Also, when kept in an aquarium, it is very important that pets eat frozen and dry food.
5. Do not contain synodontis with small fish, because the latter will be perceived as live food.The catfish will simply eat them or drive them into a corner and slaughter them. These fish go well with cichlids, whose habitats are considered lakes.
6. As for the number of individuals, start a flock immediately. If you put several catfish in the tank, they will be shy. You rarely see them frolic and fun. And in the company of relatives, the fish feel more confident.
7. The catfish of this subspecies live preferably at night. In the afternoon they rest in their refuge. Perfectly prepared dwellings include shaded areas with algae and grottoes. Catfish are fed in the evening when they are most active.

Breeding

1. Soma belong to the peaceful aquarium inhabitants. In 100 liters. Aquarium about 6 individuals will quietly get along with other fish. For catfish, it is recommended to install a bottom filter. Ground corals and small gravel are excellently suited as soil.
2. As a house for catfish, shellfish can become. In addition, it raises the pH balance to the optimum level. It is highly recommended to place densely growing algae. Soma love to hide in such plants. They also relax in such shelters.
3. The water temperature is recommended to maintain about 24-26 degrees. In addition, for the general decoration and comfort of catfish, it is recommended to place several artificial rocks in the aquarium. In such conditions, after 1 month, you can see signs of spawning.
4. Take a closer look, you can see that the female has grown fat and filled with caviar. This indicates that the individual is completely ready for spawning. For successful breeding of catfish, it is recommended to use flower pots. It is recommended to place marble in them.
5. For breeding a piece of flower pot will be enough. Pour marble balls into it. Put the pot in the breeding ground and cover with something. The entrance to the house should be quite narrow. Do not be disappointed ahead of time if at first the fish are scared of a new object in the aquarium. After 2-3 days, the catfish will open the house.
6. After about a week, catfish begin to show activity. Do not be surprised if you see that the male is chasing the female. During mating dances, fish will occasionally swim in a new house. Individuals may be there for several minutes, then they will swim up again. Such manipulations can be repeated many times.
7. Usually the male tries to entwine the female, but she constantly swims away from him. Individuals can come together only in a secluded place. Therefore, mating will occur in the new house. Consider, if you have several individuals, the males will fight for leadership among themselves. Do not worry, the fish do not harm each other.
8. After all the marriage dances and catch-ups, 3-4 days later, catfish larvae appear in the house. It is recommended that you carefully remove the pot from the aquarium and transfer it to another container. Thus fry will not be eaten by other inhabitants.
9. At first, the fry will eat the yolk bladder. Only after that they are allowed to give microworms. For this to happen, you have to wait a little more than a week. Begin to feed catfish plentifully. After they grow up, transplant them into a common aquarium.

Cuckoo catfish are quite interesting representatives of their family. Watch them carefully, especially during spawning. If you have cichlids, catfish are best bred in a separate aquarium. Otherwise, these fish are quite simple to maintain. It is not necessary to hook small individuals to them. Soma can dislike them.

Video: catfish cuckoo (multi-spotted synodontis)