Catfish are a type of freshwater fish that includes both bottom feeders and predators. Catfishes belong to the Siluriformes order, which also contains characins, carp, and minnows (family Cyprinidae).
They may be assigned to the superorder Ostariophysi with characins, carp, and minnows, or to the superorder Siluropsida together with characins. There are many types of catfish, and Upside Down Catfish is one of the most popular.
The upside-down catfish is a tiny yet active fish that has the unusual practice of hanging upside down while swimming and resting. These fish spend more than 90 percent of their time in an inverted posture, with a reversed color scheme to other fish - with their belly being darker than the back. This is so they can conceal from predators as their exposed belly would give them away.
If you are someone who is looking for an unusual fish to add to your aquarium, then the upside-down catfish may be the one for you. Here is everything you need to know about these interesting creatures.
Origin
The Upside Down Catfish is native to Central Africa in the Central Congo River basin, from Kinshasa to Basonga. It has been recorded in Cameroon as well. It lives in the thickly vegetated areas surrounding rivers' banks.
Upside Down Catfish Appearance
The upside-Down catfish is one of the smallest members of the genus Synodontis that are aptly named for its swimming posture. This makes it easier for it to feed more effortlessly on the water's surface. The upside-Down catfish is also known as the blotched upside-down catfish because of its spotted appearance.
They are considerably shorter than other Catfish, reaching an adult length of only three to four inches. They have huge eyes, a huge adipose fin, a forked tail, and three pairs of barbels, just like all the other Mochikidae species. Their dark brown-colored body is mottled with dark brown spots of different sizes. The belly is usually paler than the rest of the fish's body.
Many species of fish that spend most of their lives upside down have a pigment that is color-adapted to see them in this condition. The body's underside is darker, which is the polar opposite of fish that swim upright. When they swim upright at the water's surface, this reversed coloration helps to conceal them.
They, like other catfish, have sharp fin spines that can harm fishkeepers or become caught in nets while moving them. Take care when catching or transferring this fish to use a fine mesh net.
Gender Differences
Females are bigger, lighter in color, and more rounded than males. They are plumper and rounder throughout the reproductive period, particularly when preparing to spawn.
Upside Down Catfish Size
As mentioned before, the upside-down catfish is one of the smallest Synodontis species. The adult size of the upside-down catfish is only about three to four inches. In most cases, the size of the fish is influenced by how much it is fed and the quality of the water in the aquarium.
Upside Down Catfish Lifespan
The average lifespan of an upside-down catfish is around 8 - 10 years, although some have been known to live up to 15 years with proper care.
Of course, there are no guarantees when it comes to life expectancy. Water conditions and food, just like any other fish, have a significant impact on their health. Several external elements can drastically reduce their lifespan.
Upside Down Catfish Behavior
Upside Down Catfish is one of the most unusual fish you can have in your aquarium! They have unique habits that aren't observed in other tropical fish. Instead of swimming upright, these freshwater fish prefer to swim upside down!
Typically, that sort of behavior is an indication that your fish is sick or dying. The Upside Down Catfish has evolved to swim upside down and will spend the majority of its days hunting on the surface of the water or eating driftwood's underside.
Upside Down Catfish Tank Setup
Setting up an aquarium for your upside-down catfish is relatively straightforward. They are not a fussy fish when it comes to water parameters and can live in most freshwater aquariums. The following are some guidelines to follow when setting up a tank for your new fish:
Tank Size
The ideal tank size for an upside-down catfish is at least 10 gallons. They are small fish and do not require a lot of space to swim. If you are planning on keeping more than one fish, then you will need to increase the tank size accordingly.
If you are planning to add other fish to the tank, make sure they are not aggressive as the upside-down catfish is a peaceful species, and provide them with a larger tank for example a 30-gallon tank.
Water Parameters
The Upside Down Catfish helms from Central Africa, but their ecosystems aren't all that different from those of other tropical fish from Asia or South America. They prefer water with more vegetation and a higher temperature.
The most essential things to consider are pH and hardness. The Upside Down Catfish prefers slightly softer water than other fish. It should also be relatively neutral. Some acidity is acceptable, but the pH reading should remain as close to neutral as possible.
The following are some important water parameters to keep an eye on:
Water temperature: 72°F to 82°F (between 75 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit is perfect) |
pH levels: 6.0 to 7.5 |
Hardness level of the water: 4 to 15 dGH |
Upside-down catfish are extremely delicate to ammonia and nitrate levels. If you don't pay attention, nitrate levels in your big community tank will rise rapidly if you have a lot of fish.
You'll also need to do frequent water changes in addition to a strong canister filter. To keep things running smoothly, replace around a quarter of the water every few weeks.
Upside Down Catfish Tank Filters
As mentioned, the Upside Down Catfish is very sensitive to water quality and needs a filter that can keep the water clean. A powerful canister filter is ideal for this purpose.
Canister filters are beneficial because they are hidden from view and do not produce a lot of noise. They are also very efficient at filtering out debris and waste from the water.
Upside Down Catfish Tank Decor
As we mentioned before, the upside-down catfish is a timid fish that likes to hide. Because of this, you will need to provide them with plenty of hiding places in their tank. They are not a picky eater and will eat most aquarium plants. However, they do prefer live plants over artificial ones.
Some of the best plants for an upside-down catfish tank include:
When it comes to decorations, rocks and Driftwood are always a good choice. Be sure to choose pieces that are smooth and don't have any sharp edges that could hurt your fish.
Caves are also an excellent addition to an upside-down catfish tank. They provide a safe place for your fish to hide and feel secure. Be sure to choose caves that are big enough for your fish to swim through easily but not so large that they can get lost inside.
Upside Down Catfish Tankmates
Because these catfish are tiny, you should avoid any fish that may view them as food. Avoid all aggressive fish and stick to similarly-sized peaceful ones. With huge aggressive fish, it's not just the health of your Upside Down Catfish that you have to worry about. Bigger fish will also damage and tear up the delicate fins of your Upside Down Catfish.
In addition to other Upside Down Catfish, the following are some excellent tank mates:
Always observe your fish and make sure they are getting along. If you see any aggression, remove the aggressor fish from the tank immediately.
Feeding Your Upside Down Catfish
Upside down catfish are not picky eaters and will accept most aquarium foods. They are omnivores and need a diet that consists of both plant and animal matter. A healthy as well as varied diet for an upside-down catfish should include the following:
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To get your fish used to pellets, start by mixing the pellets in with their live or frozen food. Slowly increase the number of pellets until they are eating them exclusively.
Overfeeding is a common mistake among fish owners. Not only does it pollute the water, but it can also lead to health problems for your fish. Therefore, only feed them only what they can eat in a few minutes. Remove any uneaten food from the tank so it doesn't pollute the water.
Upside Down Catfish Diseases
Upside down catfish are susceptible to the same diseases as other aquarium fish. The most common diseases include:
These are only a few of the diseases that can affect your upside-down catfish. If you notice any changes in your fish's behavior or appearance, Quarantine them and observe them closely.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of a disease is a change in behavior or appearance. If you notice any of the following changes in your fish, take action immediately:
Preventing Disease in Your Upside Down Catfish
There are several things you can do to prevent disease in your upside-down catfish. The following are some tips:
- Keep the water clean. Perform regular water changes and vacuum the gravel to remove any waste build-up.
- Don't overfeed your fish. Only feed them what they can eat in a few minutes. Remove any uneaten food from the tank so it doesn't pollute the water.
- Quarantine new fish. When you add new fish to your tank, quarantine them for at least two weeks. This will help to ensure that they are not sick and will not infect your other fish.
- Do not overcrowd your tank. overcrowding can lead to stress and disease.
- Keep an eye on your fish. Watch for any signs of illness, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or unusual behavior. If you notice any of these things, take your fish to the vet immediately.
- Keep the water parameters in check. Test the water regularly and make sure that the pH, ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates are all at safe levels.
- Add more plants. Plants help to oxygenate the water and remove waste. They also provide hiding places for your fish.
- Add aquarium salt. Aquarium salt can help to prevent disease and is especially effective against ich.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your upside-down catfish healthy and disease-free.
Upside Down Catfish Breeding
In an aquarium, only a small percentage of successful spawns have taken place. Catfish that are upside down prefer to spawn in caves. As a possible spawning site, provide an overturned clay flower pot or two or even some PVC pipe. Even though this can be a daunting task, follow these instructions, and you should have success.
Select the Breeding Pair
The first thing you need to do is select a breeding pair of upside-down catfish. It is best to choose a male and female that are around the same size. The female should be slightly larger than the male. You also want to make sure that the fish are healthy and free from disease.
Condition the Fish
Once you have selected your breeding pair, you need to condition them for spawning. This means that you will need to feed them live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. You should also raise the temperature of the water to around 84 degrees Fahrenheit. The fish will need to be conditioned for at least two weeks before they are ready to spawn.
Set up the Spawning Tank
In an aquarium, only a few successful spawnings have occurred. Catfish that are upside-down breed in caves. As a possible spawning site, provide an overturned clay flower pot or two, as well as PVC pipe. The tank should be at least 20 gallons and should have a water heater to maintain the temperature at 84 degrees Fahrenheit. It should also have a filter and an air stone to aerate the water.
Spawning
When the fish are ready to spawn, the male will chase the female around. Eventually, they will find a suitable spot to lay their eggs. The female will then lay her eggs on the roof of the cave. After she lays her eggs, the male will fertilize them. Once the eggs are fertilized, the parents will need to be removed from the tank so they don't eat the eggs.
Upside Down Catfish Fry Care
The eggs hatch in two to three days and the fry eat off the yolk sac for another four days. After that, they will need to be fed live foods such as daphnia and brine shrimp. The fry grows quickly and should be big enough to be moved to a larger tank within a few months.
FAQ
What Is the Difference Between Upside Down Catfish and Corydoras?
Corydoras are a kind of catfish that can be kept alongside upside-down catfish because they have similar environmental requirements, including pH, hardness, and temperature. However, Corydoras are also bottom-dwellers, while upside-down catfish spend most of their time near the surface of the water.
What Are the Reasons for Upside Down Catfish Turning White?
Upside down catfish can turn white for a variety of reasons, including stress, disease, or old age. If your fish turns white, it is important to take it to the vet immediately to rule out any underlying health problems.
What Is the Possibility of Upside Down Catfish Eating Other Fish?
Although it is not common, there have been reports of upside-down catfish eating other fish. If you are worried about your fish being eaten, you can try feeding them live foods such as brine shrimp or daphnia.
What Do Upside Down Catfish Eat?
Upside down catfish are omnivores, which means they will eat both plants and animals. In the wild, they mostly eat insects and small crustaceans. In captivity, they can be fed a variety of foods, including pellets, flakes, live foods, and frozen foods.
What Is a Black Upside Down Catfish?
The Upside Down Cat that has a jet-black body with long flowing barbells are called the Black Upside Down Catfish. This species is a native of South America and prefers to live in slow-moving waters with plenty of vegetation.
Will Upside Down Catfish Eat Guppies?
It is not common for upside down catfish to eat guppies, but it is possible. If you are worried about your fish being eaten, do not put them in the same tank.
How Long Do Upside Down Catfish Live?
Upside down catfish can live for up to 15years in captivity. However, the average lifespan is only 8-10 years.
Are Upside Down Catfish Aggressive Species?
Upside down catfish are not aggressive, but they can be territorial. If you have more than one fish, it is important to provide them with plenty of hiding places so they can avoid each other if necessary.
Why Do Upside Down Catfish Swim Upside Down?
Upside down catfish spend most of their time swimming upside down because they are looking for food. In the wild, they mostly eat insects and small crustaceans that live near the surface of the water.
How Big Does an Upside Down Catfish Get?
Upside down catfish can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) in length. However, the average size is only 4-5 inches (10-12 cm).
Are Upside Down Catfish Venomous?
No, upside down catfish are not venomous.
What Can Live With Upside Down Catfish?
Upside down catfish can live with a variety of other fish, including corydoras, guppies, and mollies. However, they should not be kept with fish that are aggressive or territorial.
Can Upside Down Catfish Live Together With the Same Kind?
Upside down catfish can live together with other upside down catfish, but always observe their behavior to make sure they are not fighting. If they are fighting, you may need to provide more hiding places or separate them into different tanks.
Do Upside Down Catfish Change Color?
Upside down catfish can change color depending on their mood or environment. If they are stressed, they may turn white. If they are happy, they may turn dark brown or black.
Do Upside Down Catfish Eat Snails?
Upside down catfish may eat snails if they are small enough to fit into their mouths. However, they are not specifically attracted to snails and will mostly eat them if they are trying to eat something else.
Do Upside Down Catfish Always Hide?
No, upside down catfish do not always hide. They will mostly hide when they are feeling stressed or threatened.
Conclusion
The upside down catfish is a popular freshwater fish that is easy to care for. They are not aggressive and can live with a variety of other fish. However, they should not be kept with fish that are aggressive or territorial.
If you are looking for a peaceful addition to your tank, the upside down catfish is a good choice. These species love to explore and play so make sure to provide them with plenty of hiding places and toys. Remember to feed them a variety of foods, including pellets, flakes, live foods, and frozen foods. With proper care, your upside down catfish can live for up to 15 years.