Synodontis multipunctata

Scientific name: Synodontis multipunctata Boulenger, 1898

Synodontis multipunctata is a freshwater fish of the family Mochokidae that grows to about 27.5 cm (11 in). It is easy to keep and peaceful, suits community aquariums and needs a tank of at least 210 L (55 US gal), water at 24–28°C (75–82°F) and a pH of 6.0–8.0. Native range: Africa, Endemic to Lake Tanganyika.

Synodontis multipunctata care at a glance

Care level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Community tank: Good
Adult size: 27.5 cm (11 in)
Minimum tank: 210 L (55 US gal)
Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)
pH: 6.0–8.0
Hardness: 15–35 dGH (268–625 ppm)
Diet: Omnivore. Accepts pellets, frozen foods and brine shrimp.

Biology

Inhabits the muddy bottoms down to at least 100 m in lake. Feeds on the snail, Neothauma. Zoobenthos feeder. Oviparous. Only fish known to practice brood parasitism: it manages to mix it eggs with those of mouthbrooding cichlids. Its larvae grow faster than those of the host and feed on them.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Synodontis multipunctata
Family: Mochokidae (Squeakers or upside-down catfishes)
Order: Siluriformes (Catfish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 27.5
Environment: Freshwater;; dH range: 15 - 35 benthopelagic
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Africa: Lake Tanganyika.
Conservation status (IUCN): Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: minor commercial
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

Last updated 28 September 2026