Upside-Down Catfish (Sydodontis nigriventris)

Upside-Down Catfish is a variety of catfish that comes from the Mochokidae family. This fish variety hails from Central Africa and they are largely found in the Congo Basin lakes and rivers in Central Africa. This fish variety is also called as an upturned catfish, as it will suspend in an upturned position, and they nourish from the water surface. These catfish varieties will also nourish algae that generate on the plants and decorations in the aquarium. At present, this fish variety is not being productively developed in the aquarium. These fish varieties prefer the water temperature ranging from 75 degree Fahrenheit to 82 degree Fahrenheit.

Features

The Upside-Down Catfish variety is a non-violent fish and has a maximum body length of 4 inches. It is one among the smaller variety of Synodontis catfish, with a dense-colored body with several black markings and spots. These fish varieties will greatly prefer a planted aquarium with a minimum capacity of 30 gallons, with driftwood and crevices for sheltering and hiding. The fish variety is sensitive to nitrates, and for them, good water conditions are essential. The breed can be maintained as a schooling fish or with other minute Synodontis varieties in an aquarium.

Diet

Upside Down Catfish varieties are omnivores and they habitually graze on the undersides of waterlogged boughs and logs in the wild, and swimming upturned makes these regions more accessible for them. In the aquarium, they are fed with sinking catfish pellets, freeze-dehydrated Tubifex and bloodworms, in addition to a high-quality flake food. They are also fed with algae wafers.

Breeding

Only a restricted amount of thriving spawning has taken place in Upside Down Catfish varieties in an aquarium. Female breeds are bigger, are paler in coloration than male breeds, and they boast a plumper circular body, particularly when they are prepared to spawn. These fish varieties spawn in caves, such as one or two upturned clay flowerpot, or a few PVC pipes are offered as a likely spawning place. Generally, female breeds lay eggs in the cave roof. Both male and female fish look after the brood after spawning. The eggs will hatch in two to three days.

The average lifespan of the Upside Down Catfish breed is more than 5 years.