How to Take Care of an Upside-Down Catfish

Nobody really knows why the upside-down catfish (Synodontis nigriventris) swims upside down most of the time. A theory suggests that this method of ambulation allows it to eat mosquito larvae at the water's surface. Whatever the reason, this hardy, good-natured, freshwater scavenger is a peaceful aquarium resident that rarely bothers other fish, and most other fish leave it alone as well. It is easy to keep, and as it is active during daylight hours, fun to watch, adding interest to any home aquarium.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium salt
  • Caves
  • Arches
  • Driftwood
  • Flaked tropical fish food
  • Live, freeze-dried or frozen bloodworms and blackworms
  • Algae wafers
  • Power filter strainer (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Keep your upside-down catfish with other peaceful species, although they are not afraid of bullies near their own size. You can even add them to a tank of African cichlids if necessary, as long as there are plenty of hiding places.

    • 2

      Add 1 teaspoon of aquarium salt per gallon of water. Don’t worry about the pH. Upside-down catfish aren’t fussy about that, and anything between 6.0 and 7.5 is fine. This fish also has broad temperature tolerance and will be happy and healthy at 60 to 86 degrees F.

    • 3

      Furnish your aquarium with caves and arches. Upside-down catfish love snooping around in and under structures. This fish will enjoy exploring an interesting driftwood sculpture too. Sometimes they like cozy resting spots. If they don’t have places to investigate, they’ll pile up behind your filter and stacks.

    • 4

      Provide lots of friends for your upside-down catfish. They’re happiest in schools of three, four or more of their kind.

    • 5

      Feed the upside-down catfish right along with your other fish. They feed during the day, unlike most other members of the catfish family. They will eat at the surface or scavenge off the bottom. They aren’t fussy and will eat nearly anything. Give them flaked tropical fish food. Live, freeze-dried or frozen bloodworms and blackworms are relished occasionally. For a treat toss them an algae wafer now and then.