Upside-down Catfish

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Scientific Name

Synodontis nigriventris

Min. Tank Size

30 gallons

Personality

Peaceful

Temperature

75-82°

pH

6.0-7.5/2-15°dGH

Size

4"

Diet

Omnivore

Breeding

Egglayer

Compatibility

Best kept with three or more of its own species; can be kept with peaceful Cyprinids, Characins, Livebearers, Elephantfish and Dwarf Cichlids.

Upside-down Catfish

This species is unique among freshwater aquarium fishes because it spends about 90% of its time upside down. Studies have been conducted in order to determine whether any physiological differences between this species and other fishes can account for this tendency. It has been found, however, that few differences exist apart from the self-regulating capacity of the inner ear organ which helps these Catfish to stay balanced while upside down. Upside-Down Catfish are native to the Central Congo basin in Africa and can generally be found in riverbanks that are dense with vegetation. These Catfish have dark bodies, though their bellies are usually darker than their backs. Because these fish spend most of their time upside-down, this coloration helps to camoflauge them against predators from above. Like other members in their family, this species is also known for its large eyes and three sets of barbels.

Tank Set-Up

Upside-Down Catfish are best kept in schools with three or more of their own species and prefer densely planted tanks — these fish are particularly fond of broad-leaved plants such as Amazon swords. To provide these fish with a sense of security and a place to hide, decorate your tank with caves or overturned flower pots in which your Catfish can take refuge. These Catfish are not picky when it comes to tank conditions — they generally prefer warm water that is moderately soft and close to a neutral pH.

Feeding

Upside-Down Catfish are omnivorous by nature and will accept virtually any food offered in the home aquarium. Offer these fish live and frozen foods such as bloodworms and chopped earthworms in addition to plenty of vegetable matter such as blanched lettuce, shelled peas and cucumber. These fish have been known to feed in their inverted position from the surface of the tank and to graze along the underside of plant leaves.

Breeding

Upside-Down Catfish have been bred successfully in the home tank but limited information is available about their breeding habits. Because these fish tend to breed during the rainy season, performing large, cool water changes may help to encourage spawning. Conflicting information is available regarding the preferred spawning sites for Upside-Down Catfish so it is wise to provide both substrate in which the fish can dig depressions and lengths of piping to form caves in the breeding tank. Because these fish are difficult to sex, your best chances of a successful spawning may be to purchase a group of these fish and to let them pair off naturally.