Cuckoo cats.

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UncommonPleco

Gambusia
MFK Member
Nov 10, 2017
12
8
18
42
Very cold.
Good day, i'm looking for some extra info before i pull the trigger on some beautiful Synodontis Multipunctatus.

My tap water is 7.5 ph and stable, is this to low for long term health ? If so I can switch substrate to Cichlid sand to buffer.

What is the real world max size you have experienced in an aquarium ? Some say 6”, some say 10”.

What would be the minimum take size for a shoal ? I understand their social cats, so let’s assume a shoal of 3 or more if you suggest so.

It’s very rare that I get to see these in Canada. I’ve always wanted to order some online, but didn’t want to chance it.

Thanks.
 
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I kept a single Synodontis Multipunctatus for 13 yrs. It only grew to about 4 inches. I started out with three. They rarely schooled. Great scavengers, very active. They aren't very common in my area either and are a little expensive. As for tank size, it depends on what else you are going to keep with it. If keeping Africans, I would recommend at least a 75 gal. You need a good hardscape as well. Great little catfish.
 
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Stephen St.Clair said:
I kept a single Synodontis Multipunctatus for 13 yrs. It only grew to about 4 inches. I started out with three. They rarely schooled. Great scavengers, very active. They aren't very common in my area either and are a little expensive. As for tank size, it depends on what else you are going to keep with it. If keeping Africans, I would recommend at least a 75 gal. You need a good hardscape as well. Great little catfish.
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Thx Stephen. I’ve actually always wanted to do a single species catfish tank. I’m Making a lake Tanganyika display with Cucks only.

I can’t find much video on their behaviour when fully grown. Is their activity level to much for a 55 ? Say if I did a shoal of 5.
 
If you are only keeping the SM'S, a 55 gal. Would do fine. I think you could stock a few more than five. Their adult behavior is the same as when juveniles. Constantly on the move, dashing in and out of caves and crevaces. A very good choice for a single species tank.
 
I wouldnt go as far as to say that it would make a great single species tank (coming from a guy with a slight syno addiction), but a group of them as your only bottom dwellers would be great.
 
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mattison187 said:
I wouldnt go as far as to say that it would make a great single species tank (coming from a guy with a slight syno addiction), but a group of them as your only bottom dwellers would be great.
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With that said, Mabye I should do a lower height aquarium to showcase the cats better. Actually now that I really think about it, would a 33 long be enough volume for a group ?
 
UncommonPleco said:
With that said, Mabye I should do a lower height aquarium to showcase the cats better. Actually now that I really think about it, would a 33 long be enough volume for a group ?
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The one I had loved to swim up and down the sides of the tank at night so I would say for a group probably get still get a 55 but I am no expert. They are wonderful fish and hopefully you post pics when you get them set up :)
 
Iamfish said:
The one I had loved to swim up and down the sides of the tank at night so I would say for a group probably get still get a 55 but I am no expert. They are wonderful fish and hopefully you post pics when you get them set up :)
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So true. I have 12” Striped Raphael in a 120 that loves using the vertical space.
I won’t be setup for awhile, but when I do I’ll post a thread. I phoned the store and put a hold on those cats, I live in the country so I won’t grab them till next week.
Those babies are mine!! Haven’t been this exited since I brought home a watermelon pleco years ago.
 
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UncommonPleco said:
So true. I have 12” Striped Raphael in a 120 that loves using the vertical space.
I won’t be setup for awhile, but when I do I’ll post a thread. I phoned the store and put a hold on those cats, I live in the country so I won’t grab them till next week.
Those babies are mine!! Haven’t been this exited since I brought home a watermelon pleco years ago.
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Just wondering how big are the fish at the moment (if you have seen them) and how much are you getting them for? I got mine at 4 inches and for 40$ It was the only time I have seen them at my lfs so just wondering what they go for in your area.
 
Iamfish said:
Just wondering how big are the fish at the moment (if you have seen them) and how much are you getting them for? I got mine at 4 inches and for 40$ It was the only time I have seen them at my lfs so just wondering what they go for in your area.
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Their at 1.5 to 2 inches. 25$ for 1, 20$ if I buy 5 or more. In the past I’ve seen them online for like 60$. Liveaquaira lists small ones at 45$.
 
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