Top 5 Best Synodontis Catfish Food

Top 5 Best Synodontis Catfish Food Options for a Healthy Aquarium

I’ve been keeping Synodontis catfish for a few years now, and one thing I’ve learned the hard way is that their diet makes a big difference in their behavior, growth, and overall health. If you’re new to these bottom-dwelling beauties or even if you’ve had them for a while, choosing the right food isn’t just a matter of grabbing whatever’s on sale. Let me walk you through what I feed mine and why I stick to a mix of carefully selected options.

Understanding Synodontis Catfish Feeding Habits

Synodontis are nocturnal scavengers. That means most of their feeding happens at night, and they’re not fussy when it comes to grabbing food from the tank bottom. But just because they’ll eat almost anything doesn’t mean they should. In the wild, they’re omnivores—eating insect larvae, algae, decaying plants, and sometimes even smaller fish or invertebrates. In our aquariums, we need to replicate that variety to keep them healthy and active.

I remember noticing one of my Synodontis just sitting around all day. It wasn’t until I adjusted his diet to be more protein-rich and offered food later at night that he perked up. These little details really matter.

Top 5 Best Synodontis Catfish Food Options

1. Sinking Fish Flakes

Let’s get this out of the way: fish flakes are not ideal as a staple for Synodontis, but I still use them occasionally. They’re fine if you have a community tank and want everyone to grab something quickly. Just make sure the flakes actually reach the bottom—otherwise, the Synodontis might miss out entirely.

Some brands like TetraMin Tropical Flakes work well because they break down and sink faster than others. I crush a few flakes during evening feeding just so there’s some variety.

2. Algae Wafers

Now we’re getting to the good stuff. Algae wafers are a favorite among Synodontis keepers, including myself. While they’re marketed mostly for plecos, Synodontis happily munch on them too. I use Hikari Algae Wafers because they’re nutrient-packed and hold their shape well, which prevents them from turning the substrate into mush.

Even though Synodontis need more protein than a pure herbivore, the algae wafers help balance their digestion and provide plant-based nutrients. I usually drop one wafer per fish every other night.

3. Frozen Fish Food

This is where I saw the most noticeable change in my Synodontis. After introducing frozen bloodworms and brine shrimp, they became more active at night, even during the day sometimes. The key is variety and quality. I stick with San Francisco Bay Brand Frozen Bloodworms, and occasionally I’ll offer frozen daphnia too.

Feeding frozen food once or twice a week gives them a much-needed protein punch. Just don’t overdo it. These foods are rich, and too much can lead to bloating or water quality issues.

4. High-Protein Fish Food Pellets

This is my staple. Synodontis thrive on high-protein pellets designed for bottom-feeders. I use NorthFin Catfish Formula and New Life Spectrum Thera-A. These pellets are packed with fish meal, krill, and spirulina—exactly the blend Synodontis need for strong growth and vivid coloring.

I like how these sink quickly and stay solid on the bottom without fouling the tank. I feed them in small portions at night, just before lights out, when Synodontis naturally come out to forage.

5. Vegetable-Based Sinking Wafers

Even though they’re protein-lovers, Synodontis still need plant matter in their diet. That’s why I keep Omega One Veggie Rounds in rotation. These wafers include kelp, spirulina, and other veggies that help support digestion.

You’ll notice less bloating and more regular behavior when your fish get some green stuff now and then. I use veggie wafers once or twice a week alongside their regular protein-based meals.

Choosing the Right Food for Your Aquarium

Not all foods work for every tank. If you’ve got African cichlids in the mix, like I do, make sure whatever food you choose won’t spark aggression or get eaten before it sinks. I usually feed the top-dwellers first, wait a few minutes, and then drop in food for the Synodontis.

Here are a few brands I trust and have personally tested:

I avoid cheap generic brands—they often have low-quality fillers that don’t do much for fish health.

Feeding Schedule and Quantity

How Often to Feed

I feed my Synodontis once a day, usually after dark. If I feed earlier, the other fish grab most of the food. Feeding at night gives the Synodontis a peaceful meal and reduces waste.

Portion Size Recommendations

A good rule is to offer only what they can finish in 2–3 minutes. I’d rather feed a little less and supplement later than let uneaten food rot. Overfeeding is one of the top mistakes I made early on—it leads to ammonia spikes and stressed fish.

On days when I give frozen food or algae wafers, I skip pellets to keep the balance right.

Conclusion: Importance of a Balanced Diet

Your Synodontis catfish can survive on almost anything—but that’s not the goal. The goal is to help them thrive. With a mix of sinking pellets, frozen treats, algae wafers, and occasional flakes or veggies, you’ll see them grow faster, stay healthier, and become more interactive. Mine even swim up during feeding time now.

Just remember: variety is key. And if you haven’t already, try feeding them after lights out—it’s a small change that made a big difference in my tank.