Upside Down Catfish

As their name implies, Upside Down Catfish (Synodontis nigriventris) spend most of their time swimming upside down. Swimming in this manner allows them to see approaching predators, as well as feed on the underside of leaves and insect larvae on the water’s surface. Not a fussy eater, they can be fed most any food but, for optimal health, should be given meaty foods such as bloodworms or black worms on occasion.

Native to the Central Congo Basin of Africa, they have a gentle demeanor, which makes them good tank mates with most non-aggressive species, and they are very sociable; therefore, can be kept in shoals of 5 or more fish. Kept this way, also allows them to be observed swimming around out in the open more often.

Water Conditions:

pH 6.0 - 8.6

8 - 20 KH

72-82 F

Breeding: Captive bred, by the only commercial breeder (my dad) in the U.S.