Upside Down Catfish - (Synodontis nigriventris)

🐟 Upside Down Catfish – (Synodontis nigriventris) – Popular African Community Catfish

The Upside Down Catfish (Synodontis nigriventris) is a well-known and highly adaptable freshwater catfish native to Central Africa, particularly the Congo River Basin. This small, peaceful Synodontis species gets its name from its unique swimming style — often gliding upside down to feed from the water surface or underside of driftwood and leaves. With its mottled brown-and-cream body pattern, playful personality, and excellent community compatibility, the Upside Down Catfish is a favorite among aquarists.

🔎 Quick Facts – Upside Down Catfish (Synodontis nigriventris)

• 📛 Common Name: Upside Down Catfish
• 🔬 Scientific Name: Synodontis nigriventris
• 🌍 Origin: Congo River Basin – Central Africa
• 🎨 Appearance: Mottled brown and cream pattern; compact body; often swims inverted
• 📏 Max Size: 3–4 inches (7.5–10 cm)
• 💎 Availability: Common in the aquarium trade; popular for community tanks

😇 Behavior & Temperament

• 🤝 Peaceful, community-friendly catfish
• 🪵 Swims upside down to feed from the surface and undersides of objects
• 🐟 Best kept in groups of 4+ for natural social behavior

🏠 Aquarium & Tank Requirements

• 📦 Minimum Tank Size: 20+ gallons
• 🪵 Provide driftwood, caves, and plants for cover
• 🌊 Gentle to moderate water flow
• 💡 Dim lighting or floating plants to replicate shaded habitat

💧 Water Parameters – Upside Down Catfish Care

• 🌡️ Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)
• ⚗️ pH: 6.0–7.5
• 💧 Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water

🍽️ Diet – Omnivorous

• 🐟 Sinking catfish pellets and algae wafers
• 🦐 Frozen or live foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp
• 🌿 Some vegetable matter such as zucchini or spinach

📋 Upside Down Catfish Overview Table

✨ Highlight:
The Upside Down Catfish is a peaceful, playful African catfish known for its unique inverted swimming and excellent compatibility in community aquariums.