About Upside Down Catfish

The Upside Down Catfish is a fascinating African catfish that swims upside down at the water surface, feeding on algae and food from underneath floating objects. Native to the Congo River, these small catfish have evolved to swim inverted to better reach food on the underside of floating vegetation. They have a mottled brown pattern and can change their pattern for camouflage. They are peaceful, social fish that should be kept in groups and are suitable for community tanks or African cichlid setups.

Care Guide

Care Requirements

Tank Setup

Upside Down Catfish need floating plants and caves.

Essential Setup:

  • 20+ gallons
  • Floating plants essential: They feed underneath
  • Caves or hiding spots (rest upside down in caves)
  • Driftwood
  • Moderate filtration
  • Temperature 72-79°F

Water Quality

  • Temperature: 72-79°F (22-26°C)
  • pH: 6.0-7.5
  • Water Hardness: Soft to moderate (3-15 dGH)
  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
  • Nitrate: <20 ppm

Feeding

Omnivores that prefer surface foods:

  • Flakes (float)
  • Floating pellets
  • Frozen foods
  • Algae on floating plants

Feeding Behavior: Will flip upside down to eat from bottom of floating objects.

Upside Down Swimming

Unique adaptation:

  • Swim inverted: At surface
  • Feed underneath: Floating plants, wood
  • Color change: Can darken or lighten
  • Cave dwelling: Rest upside down in caves
  • Why: Better access to food on floating object undersides

Behavior & Compatibility

Peaceful and interesting:

  • Schooling: Keep 3+ minimum
  • Peaceful: Good community fish
  • African cichlid compatible: Can handle harder water
  • Active: Entertaining to watch

Good Tank Mates:

  • Tetras
  • Gouramis
  • African cichlids (non-aggressive species)
  • Community fish

Special Adaptations

  • Upside down swimming: Unique among catfish
  • Color changing: Mottled pattern shifts
  • Air breathers: Can gulp air at surface
  • Buoyancy control: Swim at any angle

Breeding

Difficult in aquariums:

  • Cave spawners
  • Not commonly bred

Tips for Success

  • Provide floating plants
  • Include caves
  • Keep in small groups
  • Fascinating upside-down behavior
  • Peaceful community member
  • African cichlid compatible

Compatible Tank Mates

🐠 Peaceful Community Fish
🐠 African Cichlids
🐠 Tetras
🐠 Gouramis