Scientific Name(s): Synodontis nigriventris

Common Name(s): Upsidedown Catfish



Family: Mochokidae

Species Type: African Catfish

Maximum Size: 4 inches

Life Span: 15 years

Natural Habitat: African Rivers (Zaire)

Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons

Tank Region: All over

Possible Tank Mates: Elephant Noses, Baby Whales, African Black Knife Fish, and other Synodontis Catfish are good tank mates. This species is also commonly used in African Cichlid tanks.

Description: Numbered among the Synodontis species, the upside-down catfish is aptly named for its upside down swimming posture. They are a popular species that apparently have been admired for countless centuries, as their images have been found in ancient Egyptian art. Considered a dwarf catfish, they reach an adult size of 3-4 inches. Like other members of the Mochikidae family, they have large eyes, a large adipose fin, forked tail, and three pairs of barbels. Their light brown colored body is covered with dark brown blotches of various sizes. Interestingly, the underside of the body is darker hued, which is the opposite of fish that swim with their belly downwards. This reverse coloration serves to camouflage them when they swim at the surface of the water.

Temperature Range 72°F - 80°F

pH Range 6.4 - 8.4

Hardness 5° - 15°

Breeding Information: Hard. feed pairs with plenty of mosquito larvae. One of the few Synodontis species to be bred in an aquarium, therefore their price is considerably lower than other Synodontis species as it can be bred commercially making it more available to aquarists.

Sexing Information: Males tend to be darker in color and females tend to be a little more round.

Diet: Omnivorous - Mosquito and other insect larvae are the primary food of the Upside Down Catfish and are the best choice of food, though it will eat flakes.

Temperment: Peaceful commnity fish

Common Diseases: None specific to species.