🐟 Burmese Upside Down Catfish

(Mystus leucophasus)

The Burmese Upside Down Catfish is a striking and energetic Asian catfish known for its bold black-and-white coloration and its unusual habit of swimming upside down beneath the water’s surface. Unlike the more peaceful African upside-down catfish, this species is active and semi-aggressive, making it best suited for larger, well-planned aquariums and keepers with some experience.

🔍 Quick Facts

🆔 Common Name: Burmese Upside Down Catfish
🧬 Scientific Name: Mystus leucophasus
🧬 Family: Bagridae
🌏 Origin: Southeast Asia (Myanmar and surrounding regions)
📏 Max Size: Up to ~8 inches (20 cm)

🕊️ Behavior & Temperament

⚡ Active, fast-swimming, and bold
😈 Semi-aggressive; can be predatory
🐟 May eat very small fish
🔄 Frequently swims upside down, especially near the surface
🌙 Mostly nocturnal but often visible during the day

🏡 Tank Requirements

🛁 Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons or larger
🪨 Provide driftwood, caves, and shaded hiding areas
🌿 Plants optional; use hardy species if included
💨 Strong filtration with good oxygenation
🧱 Plenty of open swimming space is essential

💧 Water Parameters

🌡️ Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)
⚗️ pH: 6.5–7.5
💧 Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water

🍽️ Diet

Primarily carnivorous with omnivorous tendencies

• High-quality sinking pellets
• Frozen or live foods (bloodworms, shrimp, insect larvae)
• Occasional meaty treats

📊 Overview Table

📝 Snippet

The Burmese Upside Down Catfish (Mystus leucophasus) is a bold, eye-catching species best suited for spacious aquariums with appropriately sized tankmates. Its unique upside-down swimming behavior, combined with its energetic personality, makes it a fascinating centerpiece fish for experienced aquarists.