[Proposal] Implement Cuckoo-Catfish Optimizer (CCO)

[karahanballi]

Description

Hello Mealpy maintainers,

I would like to propose contributing a new, state-of-the-art metaheuristic optimization algorithm to the Mealpy library: Cuckoo-Catfish Optimizer (CCO).

1. About the Algorithm

Cuckoo-Catfish Optimizer (CCO) is a novel hybrid metaheuristic algorithm proposed very recently (2025) to solve complex engineering optimization problems. It effectively combines the efficient search mechanism of Cuckoo Search (CS) with the stagnation avoidance strategy of the "Catfish Effect".

The Logic:
The algorithm integrates the brood parasitism behavior of cuckoos with the survival pressure simulated by the catfish effect:

1. Exploration (Cuckoo Phase): The algorithm utilizes Lévy flights and the breeding behavior of cuckoos to explore the search space globally, similar to the standard CS.
2. Exploitation & Diversity (Catfish Phase): To overcome the premature convergence often seen in standard algorithms, CCO incorporates the Catfish Effect. When the population stagnates or specific criteria are met, the algorithm introduces dynamic changes (often replacing the worst-performing individuals with new candidates) to stimulate the population and jump out of local optima.

2. Reference & Original Paper

This proposal is based on the following recent study published in Artificial Intelligence Review (Springer):

• Title: Cuckoo-Catfish Optimizer (CCO): A novel metaheuristic algorithm for solving engineering optimization problems
• DOI/Link: 10.1007/s10462-025-11291-x
• Publisher: Springer (Artificial Intelligence Review), 2025.

3. Motivation for Mealpy

I believe CCO fits well within Mealpy because:

• Cutting-Edge: It is a 2025 algorithm, representing the latest advancements in hybrid metaheuristics. Adding it would keep Mealpy aligned with the most current research.
• Performance: The paper demonstrates its superiority in solving constrained engineering problems compared to traditional methods.
• Structure: It fits perfectly into Mealpy’s existing Optimizer architecture.

4. Contribution Plan

If this proposal is accepted, I plan to:

• Implement the CCO class following Mealpy’s coding standards.
• Implement the hybrid logic (CS core + Catfish mechanism) as described in the Springer paper.
• Add docstrings with the correct citation to the 2025 paper.
• Provide a usage example and benchmark tests.

I would appreciate your feedback on whether this contribution aligns with Mealpy’s goals.

Best regards,

Karahan Ballı

Additional Information

No response