How difficult is it to keep Upside-down Catfish?

Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.

What is the ideal temperature for Upside-down Catfish?

The ideal temperature for Upside-down Catfish is 24〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

What is the lifespan of Upside-down Catfish?

The average lifespan of Upside-down Catfish is 5-8 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Upside-down Catfish get?

Upside-down Catfish typically reaches Up to about 10cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Upside-down Catfish?

Upside-down Catfish feeds on: Frozen and live foods, dried foods, vegetables (shelled peas, cucumber). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Upside-down Catfish?

The price of Upside-down Catfish varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Upside-down Catfish

Beginner

Synodontis nigriventris

A small catfish from the Congo basin, famous for swimming belly-up. Its countershading is reversed - dark below, pale above - to match that posture. It reaches about 10cm and settles best in groups of 3-4 or more.

Difficulty

Beginner

Temperature

24〜28℃

Lifespan

5-8 years

Size

Up to about 10cm

Diet

Frozen and live foods, dried foods, vegetables (shelled peas, cucumber)

About

Synodontis nigriventris occurs in the middle Congo basin including Pool Malebo, the Kasai and Ubangi drainages and the Kouilou-Niari basin. It reaches about 10cm. It habitually swims belly-up, and its countershading is reversed - dark underside, pale back - to suit that posture; it will even take floating food while inverted. Seriously Fish gives 24-28C, pH 6.0-7.5 and 5-20 dGH, in a tank of about 75 x 30 x 30cm (70 litres) with plenty of wood and rock cover. It is one of the gentlest members of the genus and mixes well with African tetras, dwarf cichlids and small mormyrids. Groups of 3-4 or more settle best and stay visible by day. It is omnivorous, taking frozen, live and dried foods as well as shelled peas and cucumber. Captive spawning has occurred but is poorly documented; up to 450 eggs are reported.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Lifespan of the Upside-down Catfish

The Upside-down Catfish lives 5-8 years.

Size of the Upside-down Catfish

The Upside-down Catfish grows to Up to about 10cm.

Temperature & humidity for the Upside-down Catfish

The ideal temperature for the Upside-down Catfish is 24〜28℃.

Basic Info

Origin

Central Africa (middle Congo basin, Kasai and Ubangi drainages, Kouilou-Niari basin)

Lifespan

5-8 years

Care Specifications

pH: 6–7.5
Hardness (GH): 5–20 dGH
Water Temp.: 24–28℃
Min. Tank: 70 L

PeacefulGroupBreeding: Hard

Sources: Seriously Fish / FishBase

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Synodontis nigriventris David, 1936

Authority databases: FishBase

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern

Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.