Fish
Angelicus Catfish
Synodontis angelicus · also called polka dot catfish
Swimming upside down beneath a submerged log, an angelicus catfish grazes food from the underside of the wood, its bold white spots against a dark body giving it an unmistakable polka-dotted appearance in Central African rivers.
Overview
The angelicus catfish, Synodontis angelicus, is native to rivers and flooded forest habitat across Central Africa. Its striking white-spotted pattern, habit of swimming upside down to feed, and nocturnal lifestyle make it one of the more visually distinctive and behaviourally unusual catfish kept in home aquariums.
Feeding from an unusual angle
By flipping upside down, the angelicus catfish gains access to food sources most other fish ignore entirely, grazing algae and small invertebrates from the undersides of logs, leaves, and even the water’s surface film.
Status
Not Evaluated for conservation status, widespread across suitable freshwater habitat throughout Central Africa.
Angelicus Catfish: common questions
Why is the angelicus catfish called the polka dot catfish?
It is covered in distinctive bold white spots against a dark brown or black body, a pattern resembling polka dots that gives the species its alternative common name.
Why does the angelicus catfish swim upside down?
It frequently swims inverted to graze food from the underside of logs, leaves, and the water's surface, a feeding strategy shared with some other catfish species adapted to this unusual orientation.
What are the angelicus catfish's barbels for?
Its long, branching, whisker-like barbels around the mouth are sensory organs used to detect food in its environment, particularly useful during nighttime foraging.
Is the angelicus catfish active during the day?
Not usually; it is most active at night, typically resting hidden during daylight hours.