Midnight Catfish

Siluriformes sp.

Midnight Catfish (Siluriformes sp.) — Easy care, Peaceful, under Catfish & Cory. Minimum tank in the app: 19.8 US gal min; aim for 72–77°F and pH 6–7.8. The Midnight Catfish is a suitable choice for both novice and experienced aquarists seeking a low-maintenance bottom-dweller that adds unique charm to the tank.

Midnight Catfish (Siluriformes sp.) in a planted freshwater aquarium
Care levelEasy
TemperamentPeaceful
Min tank size19.8 US gal min
pH range6–7.8
Temperature72–77°F
Max size4.3 in (11.0 cm)
Captive lifespan8–16 years
SchoolingNo

Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.

Natural distribution

Mostly South America / Africa

  • South America
  • Africa

Regional colours match the stocking calculator’s origin map.

Midnight Catfish Tank Setup

To create a hospitable environment, prioritize a spacious layout with plenty of hiding places, such as caves and driftwood, while leaving open areas for natural swimming patterns. Substrate should be soft to prevent injury, and moderate flow will suit their natural habitat. Lighting can be subdued, as these fish thrive in dim conditions, mimicking their native waters.

What Do Midnight Catfishs Eat?

Feeding is straightforward, as they are eager omnivores, but do monitor for competition during feeding times, particularly if kept with faster or more assertive feeders. Ensure a varied diet to maintain health and enhance coloration, including sinking pellets, plant matter, and occasional protein sources.

Midnight Catfish Tank Mates

Ideal companions for the Midnight Catfish include similarly sized, peaceful species that occupy different tank zones, such as tetras or rasboras. Avoid aggressive or overly boisterous fish that might stress the catfish, and be cautious with very small fish that could be perceived as potential meals. Intraspecies interactions are generally non-existent, as they do not form groups, so one is sufficient per tank.

Are Midnight Catfishs Good for Beginners?

In App-aquatic we file this under easy care. That still means a cycled tank, realistic stocking, and parameters that do not swing every weekend. Aquarists often underestimate the importance of water quality and tank size, leading to poor health outcomes. Overcrowding, especially with fish that generate higher bioloads, can result in stress and increased waste, compromising water parameters.

Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.

Log tests and reminders in App-aquatic—free, same data you see here.