{"product_id":"cuckoo-catfish","title":"Cuckoo Catfish","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"52\" data-end=\"375\"\u003eThe Cuckoo Catfish is a fascinating and unusual African catfish from Lake Tanganyika, famous for its brood-parasitic behavior in the wild. With a silvery-grey body marked by numerous dark spots, elongated dorsal and caudal fins, and a characteristic “whiskered” face, it is both visually striking and behaviorally unique.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"377\" data-end=\"609\"\u003eThis species is \u003cstrong data-start=\"393\" data-end=\"413\"\u003emoderate in care\u003c\/strong\u003e, requiring stable water parameters, a larger aquarium, and attentive tankmates. It is peaceful toward similarly sized fish but may consume smaller invertebrates or fry if given the opportunity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"611\" data-end=\"614\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"616\" data-end=\"640\"\u003eCare Requirements:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"641\" data-end=\"999\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"641\" data-end=\"678\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"643\" data-end=\"678\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"643\" data-end=\"657\"\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 55 gallons minimum\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"679\" data-end=\"708\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"681\" data-end=\"708\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"681\" data-end=\"697\"\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24–28 °C\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"709\" data-end=\"780\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"711\" data-end=\"780\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"711\" data-end=\"718\"\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7.5–8.5 (alkaline preference due to Lake Tanganyika origin)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"781\" data-end=\"828\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"783\" data-end=\"828\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"783\" data-end=\"802\"\u003eWater Hardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderately hard to hard\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"829\" data-end=\"917\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"831\" data-end=\"917\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"831\" data-end=\"847\"\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful with caution; may prey on very small fish or invertebrates\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"918\" data-end=\"999\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"920\" data-end=\"999\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"920\" data-end=\"929\"\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivore — sinking pellets, frozen foods, and occasional live foods\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1001\" data-end=\"1004\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1006\" data-end=\"1037\"\u003eBehavior \u0026amp; Compatibility:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1038\" data-end=\"1324\"\u003eCuckoo Catfish are \u003cstrong data-start=\"1057\" data-end=\"1083\"\u003eactive bottom dwellers\u003c\/strong\u003e that spend much of their time exploring the substrate and caves. In the wild, they are known for laying eggs in the nests of mouthbrooding cichlids—a fascinating trait, though in aquariums it mainly translates to their inquisitive nature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1326\" data-end=\"1355\"\u003eSuitable tankmates include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1356\" data-end=\"1462\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1356\" data-end=\"1391\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1358\" data-end=\"1391\"\u003eLarger Lake Tanganyika cichlids\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1392\" data-end=\"1437\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1394\" data-end=\"1437\"\u003ePeaceful medium to large African cichlids\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1438\" data-end=\"1462\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1440\" data-end=\"1462\"\u003eOther robust catfish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1464\" data-end=\"1548\"\u003eAvoid housing with very small fish or slow-moving invertebrates that may be eaten.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1550\" data-end=\"1553\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1555\" data-end=\"1572\"\u003eTank Setup:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1573\" data-end=\"1814\"\u003eA \u003cstrong data-start=\"1575\" data-end=\"1611\"\u003elarger, well-structured aquarium\u003c\/strong\u003e with driftwood, rocks, and caves provides hiding spots and mimics natural habitat. Strong filtration and stable water chemistry are important. A sandy substrate is preferred to allow natural foraging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1816\" data-end=\"1819\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1821\" data-end=\"1987\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"1821\" data-end=\"1987\" data-is-last-node=\"\"\u003eA unique and active African catfish with striking spotted coloration and fascinating behaviors—ideal for Lake Tanganyika-style aquariums or larger community setups.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Poseidon Aquatics And Plants","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47951043559646,"sku":null,"price":29.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0645\/4768\/4574\/files\/Photo.png?v=1741200651","url":"https:\/\/poseidonaquaticsandplants.com\/products\/cuckoo-catfish","provider":"Poseidon Aquatics And Plants","version":"1.0","type":"link"}