Discover African catfish for sale online at Live Fish Store. This category features catfish native to Africa’s rivers and Rift Lakes, best known for the Synodontis group that includes the upside-down catfish and the featherfin squeaker, along with other hardy bottom-dwellers. Each catfish is packed with care and shipped overnight with a live arrival guarantee.
Why buy African catfish from Live Fish Store
- Healthy, active fish: we ship well-conditioned catfish that are eating and ready for your aquarium.
- Overnight shipping: live fish ship via FedEx Priority Overnight or UPS Next Day Air.
- Live arrival guarantee: report any DOA within 2 hours of delivery for store credit or a replacement.
- Free shipping on $80+: qualifying aquatic-life orders of $80 or more ship free with standard shipping.
Choosing the right African catfish for your tank
Most Synodontis species reach 4 to 8 inches, though a few grow larger, so a 30 to 55 gallon aquarium suits most, with more room for the bigger species. Rift Lake catfish appreciate the same hard, alkaline water as African cichlids, typically a pH of 7.5 to 8.5, while river species are more flexible. Keep the temperature around 74 to 80°F and provide caves, driftwood, and rockwork, because most African catfish are nocturnal and like to hide by day.
Temperament ranges from peaceful to semi-aggressive, and their armored bodies make them excellent companions for African cichlids. They are omnivores that readily accept sinking pellets, algae wafers, and frozen foods; feed after lights out so they get their share. Several species are happiest in small groups.
Shipping and live arrival guarantee
African catfish are bagged with oxygen, insulated, and shipped overnight within the USA. Every fish is covered by our live arrival guarantee: contact us within 2 hours of delivery about any DOA and we will issue store credit or send a replacement.
Frequently asked questions
Can African catfish live with African cichlids?
Yes. Synodontis and similar catfish share the same water preferences and are tough enough to hold their own in a cichlid tank.
What do African catfish eat?
They are omnivores that eat sinking pellets, algae wafers, frozen bloodworms and brine shrimp, and leftover food from the substrate.
What tank size do African catfish need?
Most species do well in 30 to 55 gallons; larger Synodontis and other big species need 75 gallons or more as adults.
Popular African Catfish
