Upside Down Catfish

Overview

• Scientific Name: Synodontis nigriventris
• Common Names: Upside Down Catfish, or simply Upside Down Cat.
• Family: Mochokidae
• Origin: Native to the rivers and lakes of Central Africa, particularly in the Congo River Basin.

Physical Characteristics

• Size: Upside Down Catfish typically grow to about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) in length.
• Coloration: They have a grayish-brown to yellowish body adorned with dark spots. Their distinctive feature is the dark markings on their bodies that help them camouflage in their natural habitat.
• Body Shape: They have a laterally compressed body, a large head, and a flat belly. Their most notable trait is their ability to swim upside down.

Behavior

• Temperament: Upside Down Catfish are generally peaceful and can be kept in community tanks with other non-aggressive fish. They can display territorial behavior, especially when kept in smaller tanks or when breeding.
• Activity Level: They are semi-active fish, often seen swimming upside down near the surface of the tank or resting on their backs.
• Sociability: These fish are social creatures and should ideally be kept in groups of at least 3 to 5 individuals to promote natural behavior and reduce stress.

Habitat and Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended, with larger tanks preferred for groups or additional tank mates.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C)
  • pH Level: 6.5 to 7.5
  • Water Hardness: 5 to 15 dGH
• Substrate: A soft substrate like sand or fine gravel is ideal to protect their sensitive barbels.
• Tank Setup: Provide plenty of hiding spots using caves, driftwood, and plants. They appreciate a well-planted tank with areas to explore.
• Filtration: A good filtration system is important, but avoid strong currents, as these can stress the fish.

Diet

• Feeding: Upside Down Catfish are omnivorous and enjoy a varied diet. Their diet can include:
  • High-quality sinking pellets or wafers designed for catfish.
  • Frozen or live foods, such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
  • Vegetable matter, including blanched zucchini, cucumber, or peas.
• Feeding Frequency: They should be fed once or twice a day, providing small amounts that can be consumed in a few minutes.

Reproduction

• Breeding: Breeding Upside Down Catfish in captivity can be challenging, as they require specific environmental conditions and may be difficult to induce to spawn.
• Eggs: If breeding occurs, females will lay adhesive eggs on surfaces in the tank. The eggs usually hatch in about 2 to 5 days.

Compatibility

• Tank Mates: Upside Down Catfish can be housed with a variety of community fish, including:
  • Tetras
  • Rasboras
  • Peaceful cichlids
  • Other small catfish
• Avoid Aggressive Species: They should not be kept with aggressive or larger fish that may bully or prey on them.

Lifespan

• Lifespan: In a well-maintained aquarium, Upside Down Catfish can live for 8 to 10 years.

Care Requirements

• Water Quality: Regular water changes (20-30% weekly) are essential to maintain good water quality and reduce stress.
• Tank Maintenance: Monitor water parameters and perform routine maintenance to ensure a clean environment.
• Behavior Monitoring: Observe their interactions with tank mates to ensure compatibility and reduce stress.

Interesting Facts

1. Unique Swimming Style: The Upside Down Catfish is famous for its ability to swim upside down, which it does to feed on insects and small organisms at the water's surface.
2. Social Behavior: They often enjoy the company of their own kind and can display playful interactions when kept in groups.
3. Adaptability: They can adapt to various tank conditions, making them suitable for different aquarist skill levels.