Blotched Upsidedown Catfish, also known by its scientific name Synodontis nigriventris, is a unique fish found in the Congo Basin of Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
This fish likes to eat at the bottom of the water, preferring tubifex worms or similar creatures. But its main diet consists of algae.
This fish is great for aquariums because it’s small, and has a calm personality.
Blotched upsidedown catfish mostly eats at night, consuming insects, crustaceans, and plant matter.
This fish should be kept in groups of five or more in an aquarium that is at least 80 cm long.
You can check out what this fish looks like over here.
Blotched Upsidedown Catfish Interesting Facts
- Blotched upsidedown catfish is native to the Congo Basin in Africa, including areas like Pool Malebo and Kasai.
- This fish thrives in freshwater environments with a pH level of 6.0 to 8.0 and temperatures between 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C).
- Ideal for aquariums, they are small at around 9 to 10 cm, have calm personalities, and should be kept in groups of five or more.
- They mainly eat at night, consuming insects, crustaceans, algae, and plant matter; they also care for their eggs more than protecting them.
Blotched Upsidedown Catfish Habitat
Blotched upsidedown catfish is found in Africa, specifically in the middle Congo River basin. This includes areas like Pool Malebo and the Kasai and Ubangi drainages.
It’s also seen in the Kouilou-Niari basin at Makaka, Republic of the Congo. Blotched upsidedown catfish lives in freshwater environments.
It swims near the bottom and prefers water with a pH between 6.0 to 8.0 and hardness between 5 to 12 dH.
The ideal temperature for this fish ranges from 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C. This species is tropical and enjoys warm waters.
| Water Temperature: | 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C) |
| Water pH: | 6.0 to 8.0 pH |
| Water Hardness: | 5 to 12 dH |
Blotched Upsidedown Catfish Physical Characteristics
Size: 3.8 inches (9.6 centimeters)
Blotched upsidedown catfish grows up to 3.8 inches (9.6 centimeters) long.
This is measured using the standard length method, which measures from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail base.
Blotched Upsidedown Catfish Reproduction
Blotched upsidedown catfish take care of their eggs more than they protect them.
Blotched Upsidedown Catfish Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Siluriformes |
| Family: | Mochokidae |
| Genus: | Synodontis |
| Scientific Name: | Synodontis nigriventris |
| Also Known As: | Blotched Upsidedown Catfish |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |