Upside Down Catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
What you need to keep a Upside Down Catfish
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pH
6–7.5
Temperature
23–28 °C
Max size
9 cm
Min tank
90 L
Where to buy
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Overview
What to know before you buy.
Swims inverted to graze the undersides of leaves and wood — normal behaviour, not distress. Social and best kept in a group with shaded cover.
Care guide
Keeping Upside Down Catfish healthy in a South African setup.
Tank setup
A minimum 90L aquarium suits Upside Down Catfish. Provide hiding spots and stable, well-filtered water; it suits a community setup.
Water parameters
Keep pH 6–7.5 and 23–28°C. Stable parameters matter more than chasing perfect numbers; acclimate new arrivals slowly.
Feeding
Omnivore — sinking foods, frozen. Feed small amounts it clears in a couple of minutes, and vary the diet.
Behaviour
Peaceful, social, nocturnal. Watch it at feeding time and at lights-out to see its real temperament in your tank.
Tankmates
Choose tankmates of similar size and temperament with the same water needs. Avoid fin-nippers and anything large enough to eat it.
Breeding
Breeding success with Upside Down Catfish depends on the line and water chemistry; ask your shop about proven pairs.
Settling this fish in?
Condition the tap water, seed the filter, test through the first weeks — most early losses trace back to one of those.
10% off your first order, no code, at checkout
Availability confirmed with the distributor before dispatch · free delivery over r750
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