Photo: en:User:Neale Monks, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
10 cm
Adult size
180 L
Minimum volume
3
Minimum group
8 years
Lifespan
Water parameters
Understand these values- Genus
- Synodontis
- Diet
- omnivore
- Social life
- small group
In the wild
Overview
The upside-down catfish usually swims on its back. Its belly is darker than its back: reversed countershading that camouflages it in this position, hence its Latin name (“black belly”). It is sometimes confused with S. contractus, which has a larger head, mouth and eyes.
- Scientific name
- Synodontis nigriventris David, 1936
- Classification
- Siluriformes › Mochokidae
- IUCN Red List
- Least concern (LC)
Natural habitat
Middle Congo basin (Pool Malebo, Kasai, Ubangi): Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo; reported from Cameroon
Observations (GBIF) and localities Native countries Rivers and lakes
It lives in heavily vegetated areas along the banks, where it feeds mainly at night on insects, crustaceans and plant matter, often grazing upside down under leaves and roots.
Behaviour
One of the gentlest Synodontis: it lives with most peaceful species, but not with aggressive fish. Ideal companions: African tetras, dwarf cichlids (Pelvicachromis, Anomalochromis) and small Mormyridae. In a group of at least 3 or 4, it gains confidence and shows itself more. An omnivore: live, frozen and dry foods, and plant matter.
Sources:FishBase Seriously Fish GBIF · Base map: Natural Earth