Zebra Upside Down Catfish 5cm

Zebra Upside Down Catfish

Imagine a fish that spends its whole life swimming upside down and eating like that is completely normal—well, that is exactly what the Upside down catfish does. This species originates from Africa and is part of the Synodontis group of catfish, which is incredibly popular in the aquarium trade. Upside down catfish are a great oddball, entry-level catfish because they are relatively easy to care for, stay quite small, and can be perfectly kept in a species-only tank.

Upside down catfish are an incredibly odd-looking fish. Their colour patterning, body shape, and swimming behaviour honestly make them quite confusing. When they swim the right way up, these fish look like mini sharks due to their high, pointed dorsal fin. The body colour is an almost alien-looking purple with highlights of blue iridescence, contrasted by an array of black mottling that runs from head to tail. Upside down catfish also have comically large eyes—it’s one of the first things you’ll notice, and it looks even stranger because the eyes appear so low on the body. That’s usually when you realise the fish is swimming upside down. Whilst Upside down catfish spend almost 95% of their time swimming the wrong way up, they will occasionally flip over, providing hours of entertainment just watching them.

Upside down catfish are not readily bred in the home aquarium. It is believed they are a migratory species in the wild and require specific environmental conditions to induce spawning. Some aquarists have had success breeding them by using a setup similar to pleco breeding tanks. Providing a range of caves, offering a protein-rich diet, and creating temperature fluctuations through water changes can help encourage spawning.

Tank Recommendations for your Zebra Upside Down Catfish

Upside down catfish are a small but active species that can reach around 9 cm, so it is best to keep them in a tank of 70 litres or more. They are also schooling catfish, often found in large numbers in the wild, so keeping a group of six or more will help them feel comfortable. These fish are not overly fussy about aquarium décor, but a sandy substrate with caves and river rocks creates an ideal environment. This species can also tolerate a lower pH compared to other Synodontis catfish, making them very versatile to keep.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Synodontis catfish are extremely peaceful and can be kept with a wide range of community aquarium fish. They show no aggression, and their small mouth means they are unlikely to prey on smaller fish. However, Synodontis are known egg eaters and will scavenge on eggs in the wild, often laid by African cichlids.

Usually Compatible

Community fish such as rams, larger tetras, angelfish, peaceful cichlids, rainbowfish, and many more.

Sometimes Compatible

Larger, peaceful South American cichlids such as Uaru, Severums, and other species that may outcompete the catfish, as these are mostly bottom-dwelling and smaller fish.

Rarely Compatible

Large and aggressive species such as Oscars, which may prey on the catfish. This is especially important, as these catfish have spines on their pectoral fins, which can result in serious injury or death to both the Upside down catfish and the predator.

Feeding your Zebra Upside Down Catfish

Upside down catfish are very easy to feed. They will accept a wide range of pellets, flakes, and frozen foods. Like any fish, they should be fed a varied diet. An ideal feeding routine includes a high-quality micro slow-sinking pellet or crushed flake, supplemented with frozen bloodworms or live foods such as baby brine shrimp or microworms.