Upside Down Catfish Care101: Look, Diet, Size, & more | 2024

Upside Down Catfish are freshwater fish that are native to Africa. As their name suggests, these fish are able to swim upside down! This is something that they do in the wild in order to ambush their prey.

While this behavior is often seen in the wild, it is not as common in aquariums. In most cases, Upside Down Catfish will swim right side up like any other fish!

They are popular aquarium fish because of their unique appearance and interesting behavior.

These fish are perfect for beginner aquarists because they are hardy and easy to care for. Upside Down Catfish can be kept in various water conditions, and they do well when fed a wide variety of food items.

Upside Down Catfish are available in various colors, but the most common varieties are black and white.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the Upside Down Catfish and discuss some of the things you need to consider before adding them to your tank.

If you are thinking about adding an Upside Down Catfish to your aquarium, read on to learn everything you need to know about these unique fish!

Upside Down Catfish: Species Summary

Scientific name:	Synodontis nigriventris
Common name:	Upside Down Catfish, Blotched upside-down catfish, or False upside-down catfish
Family:	Mochokidae
Origin:	Central Africa
Average Size:	3 – 4 inches
Average Life span:	5 years or more
Tank size:	30 gallons or larger
Water Temperature:	70° – 80° Fahrenheit
pH Range:	6.0 – 7.5
Water Hardness:	5 – 15 dGH
Water Type:	Freshwater
Activity:	Nocturnal
Swimming level:	All levels of the tank
Care level:	Easy
Compatibility:	Good with most fish
Temperament:	Peaceful
Diet:	Omnivore

Scientifically known as  Synodontis nigriventris, Upside Down Catfish is a freshwater fish that is native to Africa and can usually be found in streams and rivers.

Upside Down Catfish: Appearance

Upside Down Catfish is a black and white fish with an elongated body. They have a long, flexible spine that allows them to swim upside down. As juveniles, they often have spots on their body. However, these spots usually fade as the fish gets older.

The size and shape of Upside Down Catfish can vary depending on the specific species. However, all Upside Down Catfish have long, slender bodies covered in scales.

Their fins are typically clear or pale in color. The anal fin is long and has a spine at the end. This spine is used for protection and can be quite sharp. The dorsal fin is shorter and has a rounded edge.

Upside Down Catfish have large, flattened head that is covered in bony plates. They have large eyes and wide mouth that is filled with small, sharp teeth. The body of the fish is quite elongated, and the tail is forked. So, when they swim right side up, they resemble a torpedo!

One unique part of the Upside Down Catfish is its ability to swim upside down. This allows them to ambush their prey from below.

Males and females look similar and cannot be distinguished by their appearance.

Upside Down Catfish: Size & Growth Rate

The average size of Upside Down Catfish is 3 to 4 inches long. However, some specimens have been known to reach lengths of 8 inches (20 cm). They are a slow -growing fish, and it will take them several years to reach their full size.

You can easily pair an Upside Down Catfish with other fish of a similar size. However, it is important to remember that they are a territorial species and may become aggressive towards tank mates that invade their space.

Upside Down Catfish: Lifespan

The average Upside Down Catfish lifespan is 5 years or more. However, there have been reports of these fish living for 20 years or more in captivity.

Of course, there are no guarantees when it comes to the lifespan of any fish. The key to a long and healthy life for your Upside Down Catfish is to provide them with proper care and a good diet.

Proper care and diet are important factors in determining how long your Upside Down Catfish will live.

Upside Down Catfish: Behavior & Temperament

Like many other catfish species, the Upside Down Catfish is a nocturnal creature. This means that they are most active at night. During the day, they often hide among the plants and rocks in their aquarium.

The Upside Down Catfish is a peaceful fish that can be kept with a variety of different tank mates. They do well with other peaceful fish.

The Upside Down Catfish is a hardy fish that is relatively easy to care for. However, they are sensitive to water quality changes which means that they require a well-maintained aquarium. When kept in groups, the Upside Down Catfish can be socially active. It is best to keep them in groups of 4 or more. You may even see them schooling together.

While the Upside Down Catfish is a peaceful fish, it cannot be very nice towards fish that are similar in size and shape. It is best to avoid keeping them with fish that are similar in size and shape.

The Upside Down Catfish is an interesting fish that can make a great addition to any aquarium. With proper care, they can thrive in captivity for many years.

Upside Down Catfish: Breeding

The Upside Down Catfish is a relatively difficult fish to breed.

They can be bred in a variety of different ways, including:

• Breeding them in captivity: This is the most common way to breed them. To do so, you will need an aquarium with a breeding tank and a separate grow-out tank. The breeding tank should be at least 30 gallons in size and should have a water temperature of 78°-82° Fahrenheit. The grow-out tank can be any size and should have a water temperature of 76°-80° Fahrenheit.
• Collecting them from the wild: This is the most difficult way to breed them. To do so, you must collect a male and female Upside Down Catfish from the wild. This can be done by setting up a trap in an area where they are known to live.

Once you have collected your fish, you will need to set up a breeding tank as described above. Introduce large cave systems into the habitat using flower pots or PVC pipe. Once the tank is set up, you will need to condition the fish. This can be done by feeding them live, such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia.

Once the fish are conditioned, you will need to place the male and female in the breeding tank. Use some water sprinklers to add colder water to mimic the cooler rains of spring to the tank. When done successfully, the female will lay approximately 450 eggs upwards on the roof of the cave.

Both male and female catfish will guard the eggs until they hatch. The fry will then be transferred to the grow-out tank.

The average spawning time for the Upside Down Catfish is 2-3 weeks. The eggs will hatch within 3-5 days, and the fry will be able to swim and feed on their own within 3-4 days.

Upside Down Catfish: Food & Diet

Upside Down Catfish are omnivores, which means that they will eat both plants and animals.

A good diet for them should include the following:

• Algae: This can be found in most pet stores. It is a good source of protein and other nutrients.
• Cichlid pellets: These can be found in most pet stores. They are a good source of protein and other nutrients.
• Brine shrimp: This can be found in most pet stores. It is a good source of protein and other nutrients.
• Bloodworms: These can be found in most pet stores. They are a good source of protein and other nutrients.
• Catfish pellets: These can be found in most pet stores. They are a good source of protein and other nutrients.
• Daphnia: This can be found in most pet stores. It is a good source of protein and other nutrients.

When choosing a diet for your Upside Down Catfish, be sure to choose one high in protein and other nutrients. This will help them to stay healthy and thrive in their aquarium environment.

Such as frozen or live foods, as well as pellets or flakes. A good diet should also include vegetable matter. You can either grow your own plants in the aquarium or purchase them from a pet store.

Some good options include:

• Lettuce
• Zucchini
• Spinach
• Peas

It is also a good idea to supplement their diet with vitamins and minerals. This can be done by adding a vitamin supplement to their food or by adding a mineral supplement to the aquarium water.

It is important to offer your fish a variety of different foods. This will help to ensure that they are getting all the nutrients they need.

Upside Down Catfish: Diet Foods To Avoid

There are a number of foods that you should avoid feeding your Upside Down Catfish.

These include:

• Sodium: This can be toxic to fish.
• Caffeine: This can be toxic to fish.
• Fatty foods: These can lead to health problems for fish.

It’s important to avoid feeding your fish foods that are high in sodium, caffeine, and fat. These can be harmful to their health and may lead to disease.

Upside Down Catfish: Care

Upside Down Catfish care is considered to be easy. These fish are very hardy and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. They are also compatible with most other fish.

The key to proper Upside Down Catfish care is to provide them with a large tank that has plenty of hiding places. They should also be given a diet that is rich in protein.

They are surprisingly energetic fish and will often play with their tank mates. However, they are not considered to be aggressive.

Upside Down Catfish: Tank Size

The minimum tank size for Upside Down Catfish is 30 gallons. However, the larger the tank, the better. These fish grow quite large, and they need plenty of room to swim. They are also very active fish and will appreciate a larger tank.

When setting up your tank, be sure to provide plenty of hiding places. These fish like to hide when they are not swimming around. A good way to do this is to add some rocks or driftwood to the tank.

Upside Down Catfish: Water Parameters

Upside Down Catfish is very tolerant of different water conditions. They can live in a wide range of pH levels and temperatures. However, it is best to keep the water on the acidic side. They like warmer waters than tepid waters.

The biggest things you need to watch out for are sudden changes in water conditions. These fish are susceptible to change, and it can cause them stress. Sudden changes can also lead to illness.

To avoid these problems, be sure to acclimate your fish slowly to any new water conditions.

• Temperature Range: The temperature of the water should be kept between 70° to 80° Fahrenheit.
• pH Range: The pH of the water should be between 6.0 to 7.3.
• Water Hardness: The water hardness should be between 5 to 15 dGH.

Filtration

Upside Down Catfish is not very demanding when it comes to filtration. A simple filter will do the job just fine. However, you may want to consider using a canister filter or an external filter. These types of filters provide more powerful filtration and will help to keep the water cleaner.

Some recommended filters for an Upside Down Catfish tank are:

• Eheim Classic External Filter: These filters are very quiet and provide excellent filtration.
• Fluval Canister Filter: These filters are quiet and provide superior filtration.
• Aquatic Life Internal Power Filter: This filter is affordable and provides good filtration.
• Aqua Clear Power Filter: This filter is affordable and provides good filtration.

Heating

Upside Down Catfish prefer warmer waters, so a heater is likely necessary. A good rule of thumb is to choose a heater that can heat the water by at least 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

Some recommended heaters for an Upside Down Catfish tank are:

• Aqueon Pro Submersible Aquarium Heater: This heater is very affordable and has a wide range of compatibility.
• Eheim Jager Aquarium Heater: This heater is also very affordable and is highly rated by consumers.
• Aquatop D2 Heater: This heater is more expensive, but it is extremely reliable and accurate.

Lighting

Upside Down Catfish do not require special lighting. A simple aquarium hood with an incandescent bulb will do the trick. However, if you want to grow live plants in your tank, then you will need to provide a little bit more light. In this case, you can use a fluorescent bulb.

Some recommended bulbs for an Upside Down Catfish tank are:

• Zoo Med Aqua Sun Fluorescent Aquarium Bulb: This bulb is affordable and provides good light for live plants.
• Marineland Double Bright LED Light: This light is more expensive but provides very bright light.

Substrate

Upside Down Catfish are not picky when it comes to the substrate. They can live in a wide range of substrates, including gravel, sand, and even bare-bottom tanks.

Some recommended substrates for an Upside Down Catfish tank are:

• Fluval Stratum Aquarium Plant Substrate: This substrate is very affordable and provides good nutrient retention for plants.
• Aqua Soil Amazonia: This substrate is more expensive, but it is highly rated by consumers.

Decoration

As mentioned before, Upside Down Catfish like to hide when they are not swimming around. So, it is important to provide plenty of hiding places in the tank. A good way to do this is to add some rocks or driftwood to the tank. Be sure to choose pieces too large for your fish to fit under.

Some other things you can use to decorate your tank are:

• Plastic plants: These plants are very affordable and come in various shapes and colors.
• Real plants: If you want to use real plants in your tank, then be sure to choose ones that are easy to care for.
• Aquarium gravel: This gravel is available in various colors and can really add to the look of your tank.

Upside Down Catfish: Other Tank Accessories

Besides the things mentioned above, there are a few other things you may want to consider adding to your tank.

Some of them are as follows:

• Aquarium thermostat: This will help keep your tank’s temperature stable.
• Aquarium test kit: This will help you to keep an eye on the water parameters in your tank.
• Timers: These can be used to control the light and heater in your tank.

Upside Down Catfish: Cleaning The Tank

It is important to keep the tank clean in order to maintain good water quality. The best way to do this is to perform a partial water change every week. Be sure to vacuum the substrate and clean the filter media while doing the water change.

There are many different ways to clean an aquarium. Some people prefer to use a gravel vacuum, while others prefer to use a net. It is up to you which one you want to use.

Upside Down Catfish: Cleaning The Filter

It is also important to clean the filter on a regular basis. The frequency of cleaning will depend on the type of filter you are using. For example, if you are using a sponge filter, then you will need to clean it every week. However, if you are using a canister filter, then you can go longer between cleanings.

When cleaning the filter, be sure to rinse the filter media in old tank water. This will help to remove any build-up of debris and bacteria.

Upside Down Catfish: Water Changes

As mentioned before, it is important to perform a partial water change every week. Be sure to vacuum the substrate and clean the filter media while doing the water change.

There are many different ways to clean an aquarium. Some people prefer to use a gravel vacuum, while others prefer to use a net. It is up to you which one you want to use.

Upside Down Catfish: Testing The Water

It is also important to test the water on a regular basis. This will help you to keep an eye on the water parameters in your tank.

There are many different test kits available on the market. Some of the most common tests are for ammonia, nitrite, and pH.

Upside Down Catfish: Common Possible Diseases

There are a number of diseases that can affect Upside Down Catfish.

Some of the most common ones are:

• Columnaris: This is a bacterial disease that can cause lesions on the body of the fish.
• Dropsy: This is a condition caused by a bacterial infection. It results in the fish becoming bloated and covered in sores.
• Fin rot: This is a bacterial infection that affects the fins of the fish.

The most common issue people have with their fish is that they do not know how to treat them. If you think your fish may be sick, it is important to take them to a vet for diagnosis and treatment.

Upside Down Catfish: How To Prevent Diseases

There are a number of things you can do to help prevent your fish from getting sick.

One of the most important things is to maintain good water quality. You can do this by performing regular water changes and cleanings.

It is also important to quarantine new fish before adding them to your tank to prevent the spread of disease.

Last but not least, be sure to provide your fish with a nutritious diet. A healthy diet will help to boost their immune system and make them less susceptible to disease.

Upside Down Catfish: Treatment & Medications

If your fish do become sick, there are a number of medications available that can help to treat them.

Some of the most common medications are:

• Antibiotics: These are used to treat bacterial infections.
• Fungicides: These are used to treat fungal infections.
• Anti-parasitic medications: These are used to treat parasitic infections.

It is important to consult with a qualified veterinarian before using any medication. They will be able to prescribe the correct dosage and help you to monitor your fish during treatment.

Upside Down Catfish: Tank Mates

Because these catfish are on the shy side, they do best in a tank with other peaceful fish.

Good tank mates include:

• Apistogramma
• Congo Tetra
• African Butterfly Fish
• Discus
• Corydoras
• Dwarf Gourami
• Neon Tetra
• Small Elephant fish

The Upside Down Catfish can also be kept with other catfish species.

Good options include:

• Plecostomus: These are large, bottom-dwelling fish that come from South America.
• Clarias: These are large, bottom-dwelling fish that come from Africa.
• Garra: These are small, brightly colored fish that come from Asia.

When choosing a tank mate for your Upside Down Catfish, be sure to choose one compatible with them. You should avoid keeping them with aggressive fish or fish similar in size and shape. Doing so may lead to aggression and stress for your Upside Down Catfish.

Instead, choose fish that are peaceful and come from a different region of the world. This will help to create a more diverse and interesting tank. With the right tank mates, your Upside Down Catfish will surely thrive in captivity.

Upside Down Catfish: Fish To Avoid

It is important to avoid fish that are known to be aggressive. These fish can cause stress and may even harm the Upside Down Catfish.

Some examples of fish to avoid include:

• Bettas: These are aggressive fish that come from Asia.
• Gouramis: These are aggressive fish that come from Asia.
• Barbs: These are aggressive fish that come from Africa and Asia.
• Danios: These are aggressive fish that come from India.

Advantages Of Having Upside Down Catfish In Your Tank

• The first advantage of having an Upside Down Catfish in your tank is that they are a unique and interesting fish to watch. They are unlike any other fish that you will see in your tank and will add a level of excitement to your aquarium.
• The second advantage is that they are very hardy fish. They can tolerate a wide range of water conditions and are unlikely to get sick. This makes them great fish for beginner aquarists.
• The third advantage is that they are very affordable. You can typically purchase them for around $5-10 per fish.
• The fourth advantage is that they are omnivore fish. This means that they will eat a wide variety of different foods, including live food, frozen food, and pellets.

So, those are four reasons why you should consider adding an Upside Down Catfish to your tank. They are unique and interesting fish that are very hardy. They will add excitement to your aquarium and will eat a wide variety of different foods.

Disadvantages Of Having Upside Down Catfish In Your Tank

• The first disadvantage of having an Upside Down Catfish in your tank is that they are very active fish. This can make them difficult to keep with other fish that are not as active. They may also uproot plants or decorations in your tank if they are not given enough space to swim.
• The second disadvantage is that they are omnivorous fish. This means that they will need to be fed a diet of live, frozen, or pellets. This can be expensive and may not be something you want to do.
• The third disadvantage is that they are known to jump out of tanks. This can be dangerous for them and for any other fish that are in the tank. If you have an Upside Down Catfish, it is important to ensure your tank is covered.
• The fourth disadvantage is that they are not a very social fish. This means that they may not interact with other fish in your tank. If you are looking for a fish that will interact with other fish, then the Upside Down Catfish is not the right choice.
• The fifth disadvantage is that they can be difficult to care for. They require a specific diet and need plenty of space to swim. If you are not willing to provide these things for them, then the Upside Down Catfish is not the right fish for you.

So, those are five disadvantages of having an Upside Down Catfish in your tank. While they have some great advantages, they also have some disadvantages that you need to keep in mind. Make sure that you are willing to provide for their needs before adding them to your tank.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has helped you decide whether or not the Upside Down Catfish is the right fish for you. If you are looking for a unique and interesting fish to add to your tank, then they are a great choice. However, if you are not willing to provide for their specific needs, then they may not be the right choice for you.

Thanks for reading!