Tank Mate Guide

Best Tank Mates for Upside-Down Catfish

Upside-Down Catfishs need tank mates that match their 75-82F temperature range, pH 6.5-7.8, adult size, and peaceful temperament. Upside-Down Catfishs spend most of their time near the substrate and usually ignore mid-water fish. Avoid sharp gravel and very aggressive tank mates.

Upside-Down Catfish Care Snapshot

Tank

30+ gal

pH

6.5-7.8

Temp

75-82F

Size

3.9 in

Temperament

Peaceful

Care

Intermediate

Swim Level

Bottom

Group

3+

Compatible Fish (50)

Use Caution (21)

Avoid These Tank Mates (8)

African Dwarf Frog (Hymenochirus boettgeri) in a freshwater aquarium

African Dwarf Frog

Size 0.8 inpH 6.5-7.8

Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) in a freshwater aquarium

Axolotl

Size 0.4 inpH 6.8-8

Clown Loach (Chromobotia macracanthus) in a freshwater aquarium

Clown Loach

Size 11.8 inpH 6-7.5

Common Pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus) in a freshwater aquarium

Common Pleco

Size 17.7 inpH 6.5-7.8

Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus) in a freshwater aquarium

Oscar

Size 13.8 inpH 6-7.5

Pea Puffer (Carinotetraodon travancoricus) in a freshwater aquarium

Pea Puffer

Size 1 inpH 6.8-7.8

Scarlet Badis (Dario dario) in a freshwater aquarium

Scarlet Badis

Size 0.8 inpH 6.5-7.5

White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes) in a freshwater aquarium

White Cloud Mountain Minnow

Size 1.6 inpH 6.5-7.5

Tank Setup Tips

Start with at least 30 gallons, keep water stable, and stock schooling species in proper groups. If the tank mate list includes caution species, add more plants, caves, and open swimming room before introducing them.

For a specific pair, use the compatibility checker or visit generated pair pages from the cards above. Compatibility is strongest when the aquarium is mature and each species can eat without being chased.

Back to the Upside-Down Catfish care guide