Upside Down Catfish (Synodontis nigriventris)

Synodontis nigriventris is the original 'Upside Down Catfish', celebrated for its habit of swimming and feeding inverted at the water surface — an adaptation for grazing biofilm and snatching insects from the undersides of leaves and submerged wood. Its countershaded pigmentation (darker belly, lighter back) is a remarkable reversal of typical fish camouflage that reflects this inverted lifestyle. A peaceful, sociable species that thrives in groups in a well-planted Congo biotope aquarium.

Keep in groups of at least 4–6 in an 80 L or larger tank with driftwood, broad-leaved plants, and dim or dappled lighting. Feed sinking catfish wafers, frozen bloodworms, and occasional spirulina. Maintain temperature 22–27°C, pH 6.0–7.5. Compatible with peaceful medium-sized fish. Provide overhangs and hollow wood where groups can congregate inverted.