Upside-down catfish

Synodontis nigriventris

A dark-bellied catfish often seen beneath leaves or wood.

Irregular dark patches cover a pale grey-brown body, with a darker belly. Notice the large eyes, branched chin barbels and inverted swimming posture.

Adult length: Up to 10 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 24–28 °C
Lifespan: 10–15 years
pH: 6–7.5
Hardness: 5–20 dGH

Natural habitat: Occurs in rivers and streams.

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Appearance and identification

Upside-down catfish is not a unique species name. Check the large eyes, irregular mottling and dark belly together; swimming upside down alone is not an identification.

Aquarium environment

Broad and floating leaves offer shade and resting surfaces.

Diet and feeding

Offer a complete prepared diet with suitable frozen and plant foods. Occasional algae grazing does not replace feeding.

Same-species behaviour

Provide shade, soft substrate and wood or broad leaves to rest beneath. Keep at least three or four, or five and more; space still matters.

Compatibility limits

Avoid aggressive large tankmates.

Sources

www.fishbase.se ↗ 2026-10-25

www.seriouslyfish.com ↗ 2026-10-22

www.scotcat.com ↗ 2026-10-22

api.gbif.org ↗ 2026-10-22