Microsynodontis vigilis is a species of upside-down catfish endemic to Gabon where it occurs in the Ogowe River.

[3] However, when examining previously collected specimens from the lower Guinea region that had been identified as M. batesii, Dr. Ng discovered that the specimens actually consisted of nine distinct species, eight of them previously undescribed.

[1] M. vigilis is a small fish, reaching a maximum standard length of 6.2 centimeters (2.4 in).

[2] The mouth of the fish faces downward, with broad lips containing papilla.

[4] M. vigilis can be distinguished from other members of the genus Microsynodontis by examining the length of the adipose fin, the size of the eye, the shape of the pectoral spine, and the shape of the caudal fin.