I got UPSIDE-DOWN cats!!!!

M

Miss Marigold

Large Fish
#1
Jan 17, 2004
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Michigan
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#1
It is true! I have two upside-down catfish! And no, there is nothing wrong with them at all. They are supposed to be that way. And let me tell you, there is very little more amusing than watching what appears to be a regular cory cat darting around my twenty gallon like crazy belly-up!!! These fish are very cool, very hardy, very good at eating algae, and also very hard to come by, although I was lucky enough to get two of them. :D

Does anybody else have upside-downers? If so, do you know whether or not that it is true they are a schooling fish? (cuz' I really don't think so) and if so, how many do I need? Are two enough?

Thanks! Miss Marigold
 

FroggyFox

FroggyFox

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#2
May 16, 2003
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#2
I've read that they do like to have some pals...generally 2 or 3 at the fewest will be alright. What size tank do you have them in? They don't get too large, but they can get over 4 inches.
 

catfishmike

catfishmike

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#3
Oct 22, 2002
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upside down cats are also known as synodontis nigriventris.this fish hails from the congo and other countrys nearby.it obtains a max size of three inches,they feed best on a diet of veggie flake and the occasional frozen bloodworm.they really need to be in groups of 5 or more.i can't stress this enough,they need to be in groups.a lone usd cat will hide constantly or die of stress.they need lots of overhanging rocks and wood to hide in.plants live or plastic are also good to make a usd cat comfortable.sharp edges are not wanted in a tank with these fish.their soft skin will be cut easly if they dash and scrape themselves on a sharp object.
 

Fruitbat

Fruitbat

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#5
Jan 6, 2004
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Miss Marigold...

Did your local fish store have any idea what species of 'upside down cat' they sold you? The reason that I ask is because the genus Synodontis has MANY species...some of which have more specialized water requirements.

If you indeed have Synodontis nigriventris then you're in luck. They do indeed get to only about 3 inches and are generally peaceful though they can be territorial on occasion. They do get along well in small groups.

There are other Synodontis that get MUCH larger and some that are found in the African Rift Lakes with very hard, alkaline water. If you can find out what species you actually have then you'll be one step ahead of any potential problems.
 

M

Miss Marigold

Large Fish
#7
Jan 17, 2004
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Michigan
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I do believe I have the smaller kind of catfish...they don't seem to get any larger than three inches, and they are fairly hardy, so specialized water requirements don't appear to be a problem.

P.S. I got these guys for six dollars a fish--not cheap, but considering my love for anything out of the ordinary, worth every penny.
 

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