Usually, when we see fish floating upside down, we assume the worst. But there are some exceptions, like the upside-down catfish. This wonderful species is a quirky addition to any freshwater tank. Hailing from the river basins of the Congo in Central Africa, they’re fascinating creatures. Their peaceful demeanor and unusual behavior make them a very popular fish amongst hobbyists. In this guide, we’ll look at everything you need to know about keeping upside-down.
1. They’re Not Always Upside Down
Upside-down catfish spend most of the time in the position that gives them their name. This may seem odd, but they do it for a couple of practical reasons. First, it helps them to access oxygen. They expose their gills and fins to the surface of the water and efficiently absorb this oxygen-rich layer. This isn’t as easy if they’re swimming in the standard position.
Furthermore, swimming upside down produces less drag, so they cut through rivers and streams with ease. Another reason why they swim upside down is because of their feeding habits. Sometimes branches and logs fall into rivers in the wild. The fish graze off the underside of the wood, and it’s easier to do this from an upside-down position. However, it’s not essential for them to always be upside down. Hobbyists may see their fish swimming in an upright position, especially if there is food at the bottom of the tank.
2. Upside-down Catfish Are a Schooling Species
Many hobbyists appreciate upside-down catfish because of their peaceful nature. They won’t bother any other fish you keep in your aquarium, so they’re great for a community tank. We recommend keeping at least three of these fish because they’ll be happier as a school. Most owners have between four and six because this reduces stress.
It’s crucial to have a big enough tank for this species. They’re not a large catfish and only grow up to about four inches. However, we recommend a 30-gallon tank as a minimum. These fish shouldn’t bully one another, but it’s more likely if they’re practically living on top of each other. Ensure there are plenty of hiding places like PVC pipes, logs, and live plants. This will replicate their natural environment and make them comfortable.
3. Feeding Upside-down Catfish Is Easy
One advantage of keeping upside-down catfish is that it’s relatively easy to feed them. They’re an omnivorous species, so they’re not picky about what they eat. However, they do require a diverse diet to have their nutritional needs met.
They eat bloodworms and brine shrimp. You can also gut-load these critters for an extra nutrient boost. Many owners provide their catfish with sinking foods, like pellets. It’s also good to include a few vegetable slices, like chopped cucumber.
When feeding these fish, there are a couple of nuances to be aware of. First, they’re primarily a nocturnal species, so it’s better to feed them at night when they’re more alert. Upside-down catfish are also quite greedy, so beware not to overfeed them. They are prone to obesity, and this can trigger further health complications. Also, they are susceptible to bloat, so don’t give them floating foods.
4. These Catfish Thrive With Other Aquatic Species
We already mentioned that upside-down catfish enjoy living in schools with other catfish. Yet, if you’re looking to add some diversity to your aquarium, consider the following:
- Many hobbyists keep them with corydoras because these two catfish species live in harmony and complement each other.
- Perhaps you want some more colorful variety in your tank. Tetra fish and livebearers, like swordtails and mollies, are also great options.
Avoid putting them with aggressive fish, like cichlids, because they’ll bite their fins. Also, larger fish may attempt to eat these small catfish, so be wary. Larger shrimp and crustaceans can also share a tank with them.
5. Upside-down Catfish Have Uncomplicated Tank Parameters
Another advantage of keeping upside-down catfish is that it’s relatively easy to care for them. They don’t have any unusual tank requirements and are a hardy species. They need a constant temperature of 72 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit, so you will need a thermometer and heater. They are tropical fish, so this isn’t a surprise.
Meanwhile, they require a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. This is quite broad and easily manageable for first-time aquarists. The water hardness should be 4 to 15 dGH. Remember to regularly clean the tank so that your fish remain healthy. Your upside-down catfish will eat some algae, so it can be part of your cleaning crew. However, it won’t be able to control algae populations alone, so stay on top of your daily duties.
Keep a well-balanced tank, and they’ll be fine. Remove leftover food and perform water changes as required. Poor husbandry is the main cause of any problems with these fish.
6. Upside-Down Catfish Are Good Fish for Beginners
Upside-down catfish are an excellent species for new hobbyists. They don’t have demanding requirements, and they’re not susceptible to unusual diseases. These catfish can endure a range of temperatures and pH differences as long as these fluctuations aren’t too dramatic. It’s also easy to feed them because of their omnivorous nature.
At the same time, their quirky habit of swimming upside-down means that you’ll never get bored of them. However, there are a couple of points to be aware of. As noted, they are nocturnal, so you may not see them being active during the day. Also, they’re relatively shy and may hide often. It’s also best to get at least three or four of these amazing fish, but this means you’ll need a larger tank. This means they may not be suitable for apartment owners. Otherwise, we highly recommend them as a great species for new fish owners!
