Upside Down Catfish
Scientific Classification & Quick Facts
| Common name | Upside-down catfish |
| Scientific name | Synodontis nigriventris |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Order | Siluriformes |
| Family | Mochokidae |
| Genus | Synodontis |
| Conservation status | Least Concern |
| Type | Small freshwater catfish |
| Diet | Omnivore: algae, plant matter, worms, insect larvae |
| Habitat | River basins; under branches and logs |
| Size | Up to 9.6 cm |
| Colours | Darker belly, lighter back |
| Special feature | Often swims upside down |
The Upside Down Catfish is a member of the Mochokidae family. The other synonym for this fish is ‘dwarf Upside Down Catfish’, and it is biologically termed Synodontis Nigriventris. The other species of the same genus are also termed Upside Down Catfish, namely S, Contracta, S. Aterrima, S. Nigrita, and many more. As the name indicates, this fish swims in an upside-down posture. Researchers describe this behavior as a strategy for feeding. In their natural habitat, this Catfish grazes for food particles under submerged branches, logs, or other substrates. So it is believed that swimming in an upside-down position will give more access to these places. Another theory that supports this position uses the logic that swimming in an upside-down posture helps this fish to respire more efficiently.
Description
The Upside Down Catfish is basically small, structured, and attains a body length of maximum 9.6cm. Similar to the other members of the Mochikidae family, this Catfish also possesses big eyes, 6 barbels and a big dorsal fin. They prefer to spend most of their time in the upside down position. The belly is darker in shade than the back side of these fish, and the upper body parts are comparatively lighter. This helps the fish to escape from the predators, as the light body color is not visible when the Catfish swims upside down and the predator looks upwards.
Reproduction
The Female Catfish is bigger, and has a round body compared to the male counterpart. The coloration of the female fish is lighter, and they look larger than the male. These species carry out the spawning process in the caves or other such hidden areas. While breeding at home, you can provide overturned flowerpots made of clay or a PVC pipe to help carry out the spawning process. To induce spawning you can soften the tank water to imitate the spring rains acquired in the river and providing live foods. The female lays eggs and scatter it on the cave roof. The hatching of the eggs takes place in two to three days. After that, the fry is fed with the yolk sac that the parents bear for three to four days. After consuming the yolk sac, the fry can be fed with brine shrimp hatched freshly. The fry will take two months to start swimming, similar to their parent’s style of upside down posture.
Growing Upside down Catfish at Home
Food
The Upside Down Catfish is omnivorous. You can provide varieties of food to these creatures, but it should be nutritious and healthy. In the wild, they prefer eating filamentous algae and debris of vegetables. So you should include vegetable based food in their diet. They also love to eat many live foods like brine shrimp, tubifex worms, blood worms, earth worms, terrestrial insects and insect larvae. Feed them several times in small quantities to avoid food wastage.
Water
The Upside Down Catfish is a freshwater species, largely seen in the river basins. At home, try to provide an environment similar to their habitat. The water conditions should be regularly checked. The pH level should be between 6.0 and 7.5, and the temperature should be at least 22 to 26 degree C. This Catfish prefers water hardness between 4 and 15 dGH.
Tank
The Upside Down Catfish requires a 30 gallon tank with many tank mates. They will appreciate driftwood, rocks, twisted roots for hiding. They prefer to roost under floating and broad leaved vegetations. A dim lit aquarium is suitable for these types of fish. To bring a natural effect, you can add currents in the water. They cannot adjust in the water having high nitrite levels; hence the regular water change is recommended.
Upside-down catfish FAQs
Why does the upside-down catfish swim upside down?
Scientists think it helps the fish feed on food under logs and branches. Another idea is that it helps the fish breathe better. Its dark belly also helps hide it from predators looking up.
How big do upside-down catfish get?
Upside-down catfish are small. They grow to a maximum of about 9.6 cm long.
What do upside-down catfish eat?
They are omnivores. In the wild they eat filamentous algae and plant debris, and at home they also enjoy brine shrimp, bloodworms, Tubifex worms and insect larvae.
What kind of tank does an upside-down catfish need?
The article suggests a 30 gallon tank with tank mates. Add driftwood, rocks and roots for hiding, floating plants and dim light.
How do upside-down catfish breed?
They spawn in caves or hidden spots. The female scatters eggs on the cave roof, and the eggs hatch in two to three days.
Randi Jones is the owner and founder of the Nature Gift Store, an online retailer specializing in nature-themed gifts, educational science projects, live animal nature kits and real butterfly artwork. A biology graduate who fell in love with insects, she founded the company in 2001 to make active learning about nature fun, accessible and engaging for children and adults. Her store offers real butterfly frames, home and garden decor and educational live animal kits, including ant farms, worm farms, tadpoles, ladybugs and hermit crabs, and she runs a bug museum in Washington featuring live animals like Eddie the Iguana alongside other reptiles and insects.
