Synodontis Multipunctatus – Lake Tanganyika Fish
Synodontis Multipunctatus, which has another names such as Synodontis Multipunctatus cuckoo catfish, cuckoo squeaker, or multipunk, is a Lake Tanganyika fish of a small size, the lake is one of the many on the East African Rift Valley system
. Synodontis Multipunctatus rely on mouthbrooding cichlids to raise its youngs. This species grows to a height of 27.5 cm (10.8 inches) TL. This species is a small part of the commercial fishing that takes place on Lake Tanganyika.
Summary Description of Synodontis Multipunctatus
The Synodontis Multipunctatus is one of the most endangered catfish species in Lake Tanganyika, which is most famous for its cichlids. It did congregates in a large groups at a depth of 40 meters (130 feet) in the lake.
Synodontis Multipunctatus breeding characteristics are well recognized – it is a brood parasite, resembling the cuckoo whose common name it takes after. Lake Tanganyika is the homeground to many mouthbrooding cichlids, which take care of their eggs and chicks by carrying them in their mouths. Multipunctatus uses these methods, especially Ctenochromis horei and Simochromis babaulti, as unintentional caregivers for their offspring.
The scent of laying eggs for cichlids stimulates Synodontis Multipunctatus to perform their own spawnning, and when cichlids lay their eggs, the Synodontis Multipunctatus catfish will quickly slip and swallow its eggs before the mother collecting them. When they do that, they at the same time release and perform fertilization of their own eggs. The female cichlid will quickly try to harvest her eggs and, in doing so, will collect eggs from Synodontis Multipunctatus. These eggs will then hatch (into the mouth of the adoptive mother), and continue to eat the existing cichlid eggs, before cichlid release them. This technique removes the burden of Synodontis Multipunctatuscare care of parents to their eggs, and allows them to reproduce early.
Inside the Fish Tank
The fish is popular extra to cichlid aquariums. Synodontis Multipunctatus size measures up to 15 centimeters (5.9 inches), and can be reproduced in an enclosed area only if suitable conditions are available. Some fish farmers have successfully raised and put Synodontis Multipunctatus for sale that are originating from Lake Malawi and Lake Victoria and also from Lake Tanganyika. They can be very aggressive and defensive towards other kinds of Synodontis species, it is highly recommended to place them in groups of 3 or more to prevent competition between the two, and proper coverings and cave-like features should be provided. They appear to be more active during the day than at night and can prove quite busy fish. If they are placed in big quantities, territorial fights becomes minimal or obsolete.
For more articles related to lakes in Tanzania and their inhabitants click here!
