Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Upside-down Catfish
Synodontis nigriventris David, 1936
Also called Blotched upside-down catfish
From Central Africa: the middle Congo River basin (Pool Malebo, Kasai and Ubangi drainages) in Cameroon, DR Congo and Republic of the Congo, also reported from the Kouilou-Niari basin.12
At a glance the quick version
FishBase gives 9.6 cm total length; Seriously Fish gives 10 cm standard length.
Looks how to spot one
Smooth-skinned (scaleless) catfish
A small catfish with large eyes, a tall dorsal fin and three pairs of barbels. Unusually, its belly is darker than its back, so it blends in while swimming upside down. Its lighter body is marked with darker blotches, as its common name suggests.231
Personality what they are like
Gentle and peaceful, well suited to a calm community tank.32
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Mostly active at dusk and night, spending up to 90% of its time belly-up, often under leaves, wood or the water surface.321
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Seriously Fish lists 24-28 C, pH 6.0-7.5 and 5-20 dGH; FishBase gives 22-26 C, pH 6.0-8.0 and 5-12 dH. Provide wood, broad-leaved plants and caves to hang under, and dim areas for daytime resting.31
Home where they are happiest
Minimum about 75 x 30 x 30 cm (70 litres) for a group, larger is better.31
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Omnivorous: in the wild it eats insects, crustaceans and plant matter at night. In aquariums it takes frozen, live and dried foods plus peas and cucumber, and will feed upside down at the surface.13
Company who they like around
Should be kept in a group; Seriously Fish suggests at least 3-4, FishBase five or more. Good companions include African tetras, dwarf cichlids and small mormyrids.31
The story where it all began
Described scientifically in 1936, it has become one of the most widely available Synodontis in the aquarium trade, loved for its upside-down lifestyle.13
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Its colours are reversed compared with most fish, a dark belly and lighter back, which camouflages it while swimming inverted.2
- 2
Young fish start swimming upside down at about two months old.2
- 3
Adults actually swim faster upside down than the right way up.2
- 4
It spends up to 90% of its time swimming belly-up.3
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 16 February 2009)1
- Taxonomy
- Family Mochokidae; described by David in 19361
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for an Upside-down Catfish. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Upside-down Catfish?
Feed small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding daily, but adjust based on your fish's appetite and the food label.31 Pet Wiki plan
What does an Upside-down Catfish eat, and what should it never eat?
It's omnivorous and enjoys frozen, live, and dried foods, plus peas and cucumber. Never feed it anything not meant for fish; ask your vet for a safe list.31
How much space does an Upside-down Catfish need?
A group needs a minimum tank of about 75 x 30 x 30 cm (70 litres), and larger is better. This gives them room to swim and rest upside down.31
What temperature, light or water does an Upside-down Catfish need?
Keep water between 22-28°C, pH 6.0-8.0, and hardness 5-20 dGH. Provide dim areas, wood, plants, and caves for daytime resting.31
How often should I clean an Upside-down Catfish's home?
Furry Diary's plan suggests a 25% water change weekly, along with weekly glass cleaning and water testing. Rinse the filter monthly in old tank water. Pet Wiki plan
Can an Upside-down Catfish live with others?
Yes, it's peaceful and should be kept in a group of at least 3-5. Good tankmates include African tetras, dwarf cichlids, and small mormyrids.31
How long does an Upside-down Catfish live?
Lifespan varies; ask your breeder or an exotic-pet vet for specific information. With good care, they can live several years.
Can I handle an Upside-down Catfish?
It's best not to handle them; they are smooth-skinned and delicate. Use a net only when necessary, and always with care.32
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
- FishBase: Synodontis nigriventris summary fishbase.seused for distribution, length, water parameters, IUCN, diet, group size
- Wikipedia: Synodontis nigriventris en.wikipedia.orgused for description, behaviour, camouflage, distribution
- Seriously Fish: Synodontis nigriventris seriouslyfish.comused for size, tank size, water parameters, diet, temperament, behaviour
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.