Quick Care Details (Table)
| Livestock Characteristics | Value |
|---|---|
| Care Level | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Maximum Size | 4 Inches |
| Minimum Tank Size | 30 Gallons |
| Plant Safe | Yes |
| Temperature Range | 75-82F |
| PH Range | 6.0-7.5 |
| KH Range | 4-12 |
Species Specific Categories
Helpful Video
Care Details
Aquascape: Imagine your aquarium as a little piece of the Congo River. To make your Upside Down Catfish feel at home, add some live or artificial plants, driftwood, and cozy caves for them to explore and hide in.
Substrate: Think soft sand or fine gravel. It's like the comfy carpet of the underwater world and perfect for these catfish who like to dig and sift around. Avoid rough or sharp substrates that could harm their delicate barbels.
Disease Prevention: Just like humans, staying healthy is key. Keep their home clean with regular water changes and maintain a stress-free environment.
Filtration: You know how we need fresh air? Well, catfish need clean water. So, invest in a good filter system to keep their home pristine.
Lighting: Upside Down Catfish aren't picky about lighting, but gentle, soft light is like the perfect mood lighting for a cozy atmosphere. Bright lights can stress them out, so keep it mellow.
Water Flow: They're not into extreme water sports, so slow to moderate water flow is their jam. Think of it as replicating the lazy river experience.
Hardiness: These catfish are like the tough cookies of the fish world. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned aquarist, they'll fit right into your aquatic family.
Acclimation: Moving to a new place can be stressful for anyone, even fish. So, when introducing new fish to their tank, be gentle. Slowly match the water conditions in their new home to their old one.
Expected Lifespan: With lots of love and care, Upside Down Catfish can live for 5 to 10 years or even more. That's like a fishy retirement plan.
Special Requirements: These catfish are social butterflies, but they don't like troublemakers. So, pick tank mates that are as friendly as they are. Keep their bellies happy with sinking pellets and the occasional live or frozen snack. It's like a well-balanced diet for them.
Temperament and Behavior
Behavior: Upside Down Catfish are like the gymnasts of the fish world. They're known for their peculiar habit of swimming upside down. They might look stuck, but it's their way of exploring the underbelly of their world. These acrobats are peaceful, quiet, and generally low-maintenance tank residents.
Breeding: If you're thinking about a fishy family expansion, Upside Down Catfish can be quite shy about the process. You might need a separate breeding tank, special conditions, and lots of patience to encourage their reproductive endeavors.
Aggression: These catfish are pacifists. They won't pick fights with anyone in the tank. They're the peacemakers, not the troublemakers.
Tankmates Compatibility: Upside Down Catfish are social souls. They get along swimmingly with other peaceful fish like tetras, rasboras, and peaceful cichlids. Just steer clear of fin-nipping bullies who might stress them out.
Activity Level: They're like the chilled-out folks at a calm beach. They don't zip around all day, but when they do, it's usually an upside-down adventure. Expect them to explore the tank, sift through the substrate, and occasionally hang out upside down under leaves and in caves.
Schooling or Shoaling Behavior: These catfish enjoy their own company. While they don't school in the traditional sense, they appreciate having a few of their kind around. A small group of three to six can create a comfortable catfish community.
Plant Compatibility: Upside Down Catfish are plant-friendly. They won't snack on your aquatic greenery. In fact, they might even use plants as hiding spots during their upside-down explorations.
Diet and Nutrition
Dry Foods: These catfish are usually not picky eaters. They'll readily nibble on high-quality flake foods, pellets, and sinking granules. Just make sure the food gets to the bottom where they like to hang out.
Frozen Foods: Offering them frozen treats like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia can be a real crowd-pleaser. They'll gladly snatch these up when they drift down.
Live Foods: Live foods can be a thrilling culinary adventure for Upside Down Catfish. Try offering them live or freshly hatched brine shrimp, blackworms, or daphnia. It's like their version of a fine dining experience.
Vegetables: While they're not herbivores, some Upside Down Catfish might nibble on blanched veggies like zucchini or cucumber. It can be a healthy addition to their diet.
Algae: In their upside-down world, they might graze on some algae growing on tank surfaces or decorations. While it's not their primary food source, it's a little salad now and then.
Feeding Schedule: These catfish don't require a strict feeding routine. Offer them a variety of foods a few times a week, adjusting the amount based on how much they consume in a few minutes. Observing their eating habits will help you fine-tune their feeding schedule.
Supplemental Foods: To keep your Upside Down Catfish in top shape, consider the occasional treat of live or frozen foods. It not only adds variety to their diet but also provides essential nutrients.
Tank Parameters
Tank Size: For a small school of these playful catfish, a 20-gallon (75 liters) aquarium should suffice. A larger tank will be needed for more individuals.
Tank Length and Measurements: Opt for a tank that's at least 24 inches (60 cm) in length to provide ample horizontal swimming space. They enjoy exploring the lower levels of the tank.
Water Temperature: Keep the water temperature between 75-82°F (24-28°C). This range replicates their native warm African waters and keeps them comfortable.
pH (Acidity/Alkalinity): Maintain a slightly acidic to neutral pH level, around 6.5-7.5. It mimics the conditions of their natural habitats.
KH (Carbonate Hardness): Aim for a KH level of 4-8 dKH to ensure the water remains stable and doesn't experience dramatic pH fluctuations.
GH (General Hardness): Keep the GH between 6-10 dGH, which replicates the moderate hardness they are accustomed to.
Hardiness: Upside Down Catfish are considered hardy once acclimated to their tank. They can adapt to various water conditions as long as the key parameters remain stable.
Nitrate (NO3) Levels: Keep nitrate levels below 40 ppm (parts per million) by performing regular water changes. High nitrate levels can lead to health issues, so good water quality is essential.
History, Popularity, History and Species Variety Details
The History, Popularity and Natural Habitat
History: The Upside Down Catfish, known scientifically as Synodontis nigriventris, boasts an intriguing history. These charming fish originate from the Congo River basin in Central Africa, where they're a common sight. Their unique, upside-down swimming style has made them a captivating addition to the aquarium hobby for quite some time.
Popularity: Upside Down Catfish enjoy popularity among aquarists of all levels, from beginners to seasoned enthusiasts. Their quirky, topsy-turvy swimming behavior not only entertains but also piques curiosity. This makes them a sought-after choice for those looking to add an element of fascination to their aquatic display.
Natural Habitat: In the wild, Upside Down Catfish call the slow-moving, densely vegetated waters of the Congo River and its tributaries home. Their specialized adaptation to these conditions includes hanging out amid thick plant life and using their unique upside-down swimming technique to scour the undersides of leaves and structures for food.
When creating a suitable habitat for these captivating creatures in your aquarium, be sure to provide ample plants, caves, and hiding spots to mimic their natural environment. Upside Down Catfish are known for their peaceful coexistence with other fish, making them a favorite among aquatic enthusiasts.
Back to topVariations of the Upside down catfish
- Synodontis nigriventris: This is the most common species in the aquarium trade. They are known for their striking black and white coloration and distinctive upside-down swimming behavior.
- Synodontis batensoda: These catfish have a more elongated body and may exhibit a different color pattern compared to S. nigriventris. They are found in various African rivers.
- Synodontis angelicus: Known for their striking appearance with a black body and white spots, these catfish are highly sought after by enthusiasts.
- Synodontis multipunctatus: This species has a mottled appearance with multiple small spots on its body.
- Synodontis eupterus: They have an interesting sail-like dorsal fin and a different coloration, making them stand out in a community tank.
- Synodontis petricola: A smaller species with a more slender body and intricate patterns. They are particularly popular in smaller aquarium setups.
Back to top
Frequently Asked Questions
What's their natural habitat and origin?
Upside Down Catfish originate from West Africa and are found in various water bodies, including rivers and streams.
Do they require a school or shoal for companionship?
While they don't need a school, they do appreciate the company of their own kind, so keeping them in pairs or small groups is beneficial.
What's their expected lifespan?
With proper care, Upside Down Catfish can live up to 8-10 years in captivity.
How big do Upside Down Catfish grow?
They typically reach a size of 4-5 inches (10-13 cm).
Are they compatible with other fish?
Generally, they are peaceful and get along well with non-aggressive tankmates.
How do I feed them?
Their diet consists of both live and prepared foods, making feeding them relatively easy.
What water conditions do they thrive in?
They prefer slightly acidic to neutral water conditions and soft water.
What tank setup do they prefer?
Provide them with a well-maintained tank, hiding spots, and smooth substrate to protect their barbels.
Are Upside Down Catfish suitable for beginners?
Yes, they are considered beginner-friendly due to their relatively low-maintenance requirements.
What's the unique behavior of Upside Down Catfish?
Upside Down Catfish are known for their distinctive habit of swimming upside down, which adds a captivating aspect to your aquarium.
