Upside-Down Catfish (Synodontis nigriventris)

Fish in the family Mochokidae. Easy care. Freshwater.

Upside-Down Catfish

Quick facts

Scientific nameSynodontis nigriventris
FamilyMochokidae
Also known asBlotched Upside-Down Catfish, Featherfin Upside-Down
Care levelEasy
Reef safetyFreshwater
TemperamentPeaceful
Dietomnivore
Adult size4 in
Minimum tank size30 gallons
Water parametersTemp 72-82°F, pH 6.0-7.8, GH 4-18 dGH

Appearance

Small mottled brown catfish famous for habitually swimming belly-up to graze the underside of surfaces.

Difficulty and care for the Upside-Down Catfish

Easy

Origin and habitat

Africa (Congo basin)

Keeper notes

Peaceful and social; best kept in small groups.

Log Upside-Down Catfish in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Upside-Down Catfish alongside everything else in your reef.