Upside-Down Catfish tank mates
Synodontis nigriventris
5 rated pairings from the Upside-Down Catfish care guide. Compatibility here means water, temperament, tank zone and adult size all line up — the note on each card says why. Upside-Down Catfish needs at least 20 gallons on its own; every companion adds to that.
Excellent matches
3 · Same water, complementary zones, no conflict.
Otocinclus
Otocinclus vittatus
10 gal min · 1.5" adult · Peaceful
Similar size, peaceful algae-eaters with identical water requirements and nocturnal habits
Ember Tetra
Hyphessobrycon amandae
10 gal min · 0.8" adult · Peaceful
Small, peaceful schooling fish that occupy mid-water column and won't compete for bottom space
Anubias Nana
Anubias barteri var. nana
Hardy plant that provides grazing surfaces and hiding spots without being uprooted
Good matches
2 · Compatible with normal care — watch space and numbers.
Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus sp.
20 gal min · 5" adult · Peaceful
Peaceful algae-eater that shares similar nocturnal behavior and biofilm feeding habits
Red Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
5 gal min · 1.2" adult · Peaceful
Peaceful invertebrates that help maintain algae and biofilm without competing directly
Also recommended alongside Upside-Down Catfish
Species whose own guides list Upside-Down Catfish as a tank mate.
African Knife Fish
Xenomystus nigri
55 gal min · 6" adult · Semi-aggressive
African Lungfish
Protopterus annectens
200 gal min · 39" adult · Aggressive
Black Ghost Knifefish
Apteronotus albifrons
100 gal min · 20" adult · Semi-aggressive
Bronze Featherback
Notopterus notopterus
75 gal min · 12" adult · Peaceful
Congo Puffer
Tetraodon miurus
30 gal min · 6" adult · Aggressive
Freshwater Stingray
Potamotrygon motoro
250 gal min · 20" adult · Peaceful
L114 Leopard Cactus Pleco
Pseudacanthicus sp. L114
150 gal min · 24" adult · Semi-aggressive
L264 Sultan Pleco
Leporacanthicus joselimai
75 gal min · 8" adult · Semi-aggressive
Ornate Bichir
Polypterus ornatipinnis
90 gal min · 18" adult · Semi-aggressive
Saddled Bichir
Polypterus endlicheri
150 gal min · 30" adult · Semi-aggressive
Zig-Zag Eel
Mastacembelus armatus
55 gal min · 24" adult · Semi-aggressive
Planning this tank?
Run the whole stock list through the calculator — it checks bioload and schooling numbers, not just pairings.