Upside-Down Catfish
The Upside-Down Catfish (Synodontis nigriventris) is a unique and fascinating freshwater fish known for its unusual habit of swimming upside down. Native to the Congo River Basin in Central Africa, this species is relatively small, growing up to 4 inches (10 cm), making it suitable for small to medium-sized aquariums.
Upside-Down Catfish are recognized for their dark brown and cream mottled patterns, which help them blend in with their surroundings. Their upside-down swimming behavior allows them to feed off the water’s surface and underside of objects in their habitat.
These catfish thrive in warm water, ideally between 72-82°F (22-28°C), and prefer well-planted tanks with plenty of hiding spots. They are peaceful and do well in community tanks with other non-aggressive species.
As omnivores, Upside-Down Catfish enjoy a diet of sinking pellets, algae wafers, and live or frozen foods like bloodworms. Hardy and easy to care for, they are an entertaining and unusual addition to freshwater aquariums.