Upside Down Catfish
(Synodontis nigriventris)
Please Note: Due to variations within species, your item may not look identical to the image provided. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimen.
Please Note: Due to variations within species, your item may not look identical to the image provided. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimen.
Quick Stats
Care Level
Easy
Temperament
Peaceful
Color Form
Black, White
Diet
Omnivore
Water Conditions
75-82° F, KH 4-12, pH 6.0-7.5
Max. Size
4"
Family
Mochokidae
Minimum Tank Size
30 gallons
Compatibility
View Chart
What do these Quick Stats mean? Click here for more information
Care Level
Easy
Temperament
Peaceful
Color Form
Black, White
Diet
Omnivore
Water Conditions
75-82° F, KH 4-12, pH 6.0-7.5
Max. Size
4"
Family
Mochokidae
Minimum Tank Size
30 gallons
Compatibility
View Chart
What do these Quick Stats mean? Click here for more information
Overview
The Upside Down Catfish is also known as the Blotched Upside Down Catfish and is from the rivers and lakes of Central Africa within the Congo Basin. It is one of the smaller Synodontis catfish, and is an opaque color with many black spots and markings. This species is an upside-down catfish, as it will hang in an inverted position, as well as feed from the surface of the water. These catfish will also feed upon algae that forms on the decorations and plants within the aquarium.
The Upside Down Catfish will appreciate a heavily planted aquarium of 30 gallons or more, with driftwood and crevices for hiding. Sensitive to nitrates, good water conditions are necessary. It prefers a current in the aquarium. It can be kept as a schooling fish or in an aquarium with other small Synodontis species.
Currently, the Upside Down Catfish is not being successfully bred in the aquarium.
The Upside Down Catfish is an omnivore and should be offered sinking catfish pellets, freeze-dried bloodworms and tubifex, plus a good quality flake food. It will also feed upon algae in the aquarium, and is a good algae controller for a planted community aquarium.
Approximate Purchase Size: 1/2" to 2-1/2"
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Customer Testimonials
Mike Summers
Idaho Falls , ID
I have a single Upside Down Cat in my 75 gal, along with some tiger barbs, 3 schools of different species of tetras, and a couple algea eaters. He's active and very fun to watch. The best part is having people comment on how funny it is to be swimming upside down all the time.
Michael Balderston
Long Beach , CA
I own an upside down cat in a 75 gallon. It is about 6 inches. I love to see the reaction of people who think that he is a freak of nature! He is very active at night and during the day he stays in darker parts of the aquarium.
Amanda L
St. Paul , MN
I just got mine today, and from the get go they have been swimming around and feeding on the sides of the tank. They are adorable and I am very exvited to have the 3 in my 55 gallon tank for school. Thank you for giving us this wonderful oppurtunity!
1-3 of 3 testimonials