Upside Down Catfish

Synodontis nigriventris

Upside Down Catfish is a peaceful bottom-dwelling fish. Keep in a loose group of 4+.

PeacefulBottom dwellerKeep in a loose group of 4+Beginner – Intermediate

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Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm)
Aquarium size: 18 US gal (70 L) or larger / ≥ 29.5" (≥ 75 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom dweller
Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
pH: 6–7.5
GH: 5–20 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 15 years
Group behavior: Keep in a loose group of 4+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 15 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 18 US gal (70 L) or larger / ≥ 29.5" (≥ 75 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 24–28 °C, pH 6–7.5, GH 5–20 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Upside Down Catfish is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the bottom area, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Upside Down Catfish should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Offer sinking and floating foods, live and frozen invertebrates, and vegetable matter; often feeds inverted at the surface.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 18 US gal (70 L) or larger / ≥ 29.5" (≥ 75 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a loose group of 4+.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

African Butterfly Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) African Red Eyed Tetra Arnoldichthys spilopterus Similar care level Same temperament Similar diet Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C) Batman Betta Betta persephone Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Blacknose Butterfly Barb Enteromius candens Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm) 63–75°F (17–24°C) Blue Fin Hillstream Loach Gastromyzon aeroides Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.8" (≤ 4.6 cm) 68–75°F (20–24°C) African Glass Catfish Pareutropius debauwi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C)

FAQ

How large does Upside Down Catfish get?

Upside Down Catfish reaches ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm).

What aquarium size does Upside Down Catfish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 18 US gal (70 L) or larger / ≥ 29.5" (≥ 75 cm) minimum length.

Is Upside Down Catfish peaceful?

Yes. Upside Down Catfish is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Upside Down Catfish?

Keep it between 24 to 28 °C.

Should Upside Down Catfish be kept alone or in a group?

Upside Down Catfish: Keep in a loose group of 4+.