Recently considered the possibility of getting an Asian upside down catfish instead of a featherfin catfish for my existing 473 liter (if I do end up going that route, I will make sure to get a male since they stay smaller than females), but am somewhat unsure, both in terms of choice and which would be a better. Of course, there are no guarantees with life expectancy. ). For most fish, swimming upside down is bad news. Unlike the prior two catfish noted, this one won’t do as well in with the African Cichlids, but makes an excellent addition to tanks with a lower pH, ranging from 6. Synodontis angelicus is a species of upside-down catfish commonly named polkadot squeaker, black clown catfish, whitespotted squeaker, pearl squeaker, or angel squeaker. nigriventris ) gets its common name from its characteristic swimming patterns. No, this fish got its name because it spends the majority of its time swimming upside down with its belly pointing towards the surface of the water in your tank. Africa. 3 votes and 12 comments so far on RedditEmpiric. . , vertical) substrate, however, the animals orient themselves. 5-7. Čitač kućnih ljubimaca . 5 to 4 inches from head to tail. Yellow tetra ( Hyphessobrycon bifasciatus ): five years. Family Mochokidae Contents. 9 inches long. It features a kneeling girl with a long braid from which a fish pendant dangles down her back—in this case a different. The water should be moderately soft, around 4 to 15 dGH, and with a slightly acidic to neutral pH in the range of 6. The key distinction is the consistency of the lines on the fish's head. Size : Up to 4 inches (11 cm) Water Parameters : pH 6 - 8 | Temperature : 71°F - 77°F (22°C - 25°C) | Water Hardness : 5° to 18° dH. However, several factors can shorten that time significantly. If i was to get a pictus cat, how small is the smallest it can be so my 7" delhezi bichir wont eat it?Upside Down Catfish. How big do catfish get in a tank? Pareiorhina hyptiorhachis is only about 3-3. Average Lifespan 5 – 10 years. Community Aquarium Size 40 gallons and up. -ing, Questions & Tip Requests 12/22/08 Hi I just purchased a fish earlier today that they had labeled as an upside down catfish. Scientific Name: Synodontis nigriventris. Lifespan. Find Big discount for Fish and Aquatic products here Discovered in the warm freshwater rivers and streams of South America, Pictus catfish are native to Brazil, Venezuela, and Columbia. Synodontis Lace Catfish $8. The long. That said, its not. As for vegetables, you can feed them cucumbers or peas; you should do this even if they feed on the algae in your tank. This catfish is also known for its tendency to sometimes swim upside-down as well as its ability to squeak or croak. 1. Some hit 3 inches, other 6 or 7. Characteristics. Lifespan : several years. AmphibiansDiet: CarnivoreAverage Life Span In The Wild: 10 to 15 yearsSize: Up to 12 inchesWeight: 2. ; Bristlenose Pleco. Updated: December 17, 2022 The upside-down catfish is a popular freshwater fish that is known for its unique swimming style… well, unique for a fish at least. Decors such as driftwood, sticks/branches, rocks and plastic plants. Lifespan. That being said, Catfish is the most long-lived fish. Our coverage of Weird Waters is ongoing, with our regular feature — “Keeping the Cast” — exploring the real-life freshwater aquarium tropical fish that inspired the diverse cast of over 70 unique characters in the show. The plague epidemics in the Romanian Principalities in early 19th-century. The cuckoo catfish has an expected lifespan of around 15 – 20 years in captivity with proper care and diet, but there have been plenty of specimens that have exceeded this range,. This type of catfish is peaceful and gentle, making it a good choice for a koi pond. Life preserver Valentine rose Maple seed Disembodied voice Blarney Stone Roadrunner Auk Sherlock Holmes Gorilla Stone wheel Snakehead fish Titanoboa Nutcracker. How big does a synodontis catfish get The estimated life span and age of sexual maturity for upside-down catfish is unverifiable. They are also to be found in the water ways of Cameroon and both of the Congo republics. Irregular swimming pattern (including upside-down swimming) Dimming body colors. For more information on the upside down catfish’s size, lifespan, and breeding, continue to read below. /A Diversity of Aquatic Life. 8M subscribers in the atheism community. 0 and 8. They commonly have a lifespan of 8 to 10 years, but there are reports of them living up to 25 years. 5: Temperature: 72 to 79 F (22 to 26 C) KH: 4 – 15 dKH: Diet: Omnivore How Many Fish in A 10 Gallon Tank? Single/A Pair Mochokid catfish, blotched upside-down catfish, Synodontis catfish, Common Synodontis: Scientific Name : Synodontis nigriventris : Average Adult Size: 2 to 4 inches: Lifespan : 5 years: Minimum Tank Size : 10-gallon tanks: Ideal Temperatures : 72 – 79 degrees Fahrenheit: Ideal pH Levels : 6. Since they can make stridulatory sounds by rubbing their spines on the pectoral fin, Synodontis species are also known as squeakers. nigriventris, at 21 years of age. The average Upside Down Catfish lifespan is about 15 years old! That means this species isn’t for the casual aquarist who isn’t looking for a long-term commitment. Around 3000 B. Some breeds live a decade or longer. The Upside-Down Catfish may survive up to fifteen years in a well-equipped aquarium. Family Ariidae (sea catfishes) Nasal barbels lacking; oral incubation of eggs. See moreCommon Names: Upside-down catfish, blotched upside-down catfish. Either way, with most syno's the way to sex them is by observing the ventral area: females have a slightly raised circular area, whereas males have a small "tag" it is more noticeable in some species. 0-7. Pictus catfish Lifespan. tholloni, S. Availability. The average life span for a guppy, apart from that one, was a much more average 18 months. Synodontis eupterus. But how long do they live for? These cheerful fish can live up to 10 years in the right conditions, making them a great addition to any aquarium. com. The upside down catfish is still alive. And a 9 inch pleco. Bristlenose Pleco. It will eat also smaller fish and may bother slow-moving tankmates. In addition to these obligate examples of inverted swimming, there are some arguable facultative cases (e. These medium-sized and robust fish are both visually striking and exhibit intriguing behaviour. Buy direct from the breeder — live shipping with 100% safe and healthy arrival guarantee. It considers factors like fish size, temperament, and water parameters. A juvenile can cost between $5 and $10. An introduction to Synodontis nigriventris, the Upside-Down Catfish. General. However, it can be kept with more active fish including larger barbs, such as tinfoils or lemon-finned, Apollo sharks and large cichlids. Psi; Mačke; Ptice; Mali kućni ljubimci; Ribe i akvariji; gmazovi; Konji; Životinje; Traži. Scientific Name: Synodontis Nigriventris. An upside-down catfish swims near the waterline. Synodontis multipunctatus is one of a number of species of upside-down catfish in Lake Tanganyika, which is more famous for its cichlids. Care Level : Easy. The Upside Down Catfish, also known as the Blotched Upside Down Catfish, is a unique and popular species native to the rivers of Central Africa. Of course, there are no guarantees with life expectancy. You’ll definitely want to try to fix. The body of this species is elongated and narrow, and it can reach a length of 4 inches. 0 to mimic their natural habitat. Red or bloody gills (a sign of advanced poisoning) Secondary respiratory or skin infections, etc. Common Names: Stone Catfish, Petricola Catfish, Pygmy leopard catfish Life Expectancy: 10-15 years Adult Size: Up to 8 inches. The name squeaker originates from the sounds they emit during spawning to ward off competitors and predators. 679K subscribers in the Aquariums community. Some swim upside-down. The average life expectancy for Striped Raphael is ten years, but this number varies. Under proper aquarium conditions and care, pictus catfish can live for about 5 to 8 years on average. In this article, I’m going to talk about finding the perfect Upside Down Catfish Tank Mates. Africa. this species must be kept in a school of at least four or more. Be patient. Pale or whitish color. Emerald Coast. They prefer a pH range of 6. Silver dollars are hardy and easy to care for. 8. AFS carries a few others, such as electric catfish and glass catfish found in other sections. Watch out, however, for signs of aggression because as these fish mature, they tend to display aggressive behaviors. 46K subscribers in the Fish community. These types of catfish are known to swim upside down. 11 genera, 179 species. $35. Upside Down catfish are highly sensitive to nitrates, and pristine water conditions. They need lots of hiding spots during the day and should be. Looking for information on Upside-Down Catfish? Well, you've come to the right place! These amazing little creatures have a lifespan of around 5 to 8 years, making them the perfect addition to any aquarium. Common. They are omnivorous and should be fed a varied diet of flakes, pellets, and live/frozen foods. they are a neat looking fish, but you probably will not see it much. Another thing you can do is provide foods that don’t fall apart and stay compact. Water hardness should be anywhere from 5 to 20 DH. Very adaptable, but soft and slightly acidic conditions are best long term. An adult can cost between $10. Upside Down Catfish 101 Care Size Tank Mates. They need lots of decor to be comfortable as they naturally swim upside down and feed on cave ceilings or the bottom of logs. But for the Upside Down Catfish, it is simply a way of life. Origin: West Africa. This catfish is also known for its tendency to sometimes swim upside-down as well as its ability to squeak or croak when removed from the water. Comments by lemulepr: - This fish is very beautiful. When it comes to keeping a pet catfish, selecting the right species is critical. The fish will die eventually, especially if the condition is severe. The upside-down catfish (Synodontis batensoda), for example. If your cory catfish exhibits the following symptoms of poor health, it is dying. Sometimes, they will school together. Mochokus. Diet. This little fish is often confused with the upside-down catfish species (or redtail catfish), Synodontis, but those guys come from Africa – very different fish,. S. Synodontis Angelicus Catfish $60. 75 inches (9. These fish spend upwards of 90%. (Josh Cassidy. Look up Synodontis nigrita on Encyclopedia of Life: Look up Synodontis nigrita on Global Biodiversity Information Facility: LFS label creator: Last Update: 2023 Jan 12. In the aquarium. In general, these catfish have a moderate lifespan compared to some other fish species. More Upside-Down Catfish are known for their unique swimming style and ability to cling to surfaces. All fish start small, but some catfish species can outgrow most home aquariums and are much better suited for a large public. 20% OFF on products. Food fishes. With their unique swimming style and playful personalities, Upside-Down Catfish are sure to bring a smile to your face for years to. For example, the common goldfish, one of the. com. Not all mochokids swim upside-down; Synodontis nigrita is one of them. The average size of Upside Down Catfish is between 3 and 4 inches in length These creatures are on the smaller side compared to other catfish species. George Albert Boulanger, Zoology of Egypt: The Fishes of the Nile (London: Hugh Rees Limited, 1907), pl. The growth rate is very quick in the first year of life, then slows as the fish matures. The film starred Nev Schulman — not as the host, but as the catfishee. Best kept in small groups with other peaceful types. 5. This species occurs throughout West Africa from. 0 to 7. COMMON NAMES: Upside-down catfish, blotched upside-down catfish. Lifespan: 7-15 years: Water pH: 6 to 7. . pH: 6. Approximate Purchase Size: 1/4" to 1-1/2". Mummichog paradise fish! Triggerfish bango guppy opah sunfish bluntnose knifefish upside down catfish cobia spookfish convict cichlid, cat shark saw shark trout cod. Upside-down catfish originate from Zaire and the Niger river basin. COMMON NAMES: Upside-down catfish, blotched upside-down catfish. Well I do have three silver dollars but my tank is only 35 gallons and has 1 striped Raphael catfish, 2 corydoras, 1 albino corydoras catfish, catfishes, 3 guppies, 1 rainbow shark, 1 Chinese algae eater, 1 gold algae eater, 1 upside down catfish, 1 pictus catfish, and 1 clown loach. Primary transport is focus on getting the harvested fuel wood to the processing center. See also. Cory catfish: Coloration varies among this species from albino to brown. In 2010, the documentary "Catfish" came out, and people couldn't get enough of it. Until today, I found him swimming upside down, and there was once he jumped. One theory accounts for this unusual behavior as a feeding strategy. Here’s the reason behind a fish that floats upside-down, yet remains alive: The impaired buoyancy in fish is caused by a malfunction of their swim bladder. 1 Additional scientific names; 2 Sexing; 3. The squeaker featherfin catfish has three pairs of barrels. There are many species of this catfish. IntroductionThe teleost Synodontis nigriventris is an African catfish in a genus with several species that have been noted for their peculiar postural control (Meyer et al. 12 Oct. Of course, there are no guarantees when it comes to the lifespan of any fish. Lighting. You can solve constipation issues by feeding the cory catfish a boiled pea. Bristlenose Pleco. Most of them attain a size of 5. Synodontis njassae. Lifespan: 7-8 years: Size: 5 inches: Diet: Omnivore: Family: Siluridae: Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons: Tank Set-Up: Planted community:. The upside down catfish has a max size of around 4 – 5 odd inches, and that too when it receives the desired care. However inappropriate water parameters may also stress your cory catfish and cause it to swim in uncharacteristic patterns, including upside down. MMH 5. A fish swimming upside down normally indicates a serious ailment and a near-term appointment with the Great Aquatic Paradise But one unusual fish, the upside-down catfish (Synodontis nigriventris), is quite adept at gracefully gliding upside down with the greatest of ease. You’ll learn about their diet, size, lifespan, and more! Table of contents Species overview Appearance The upside-down catfish ( Synodontis nigriventris) is a small catfish with the unique habit of swimming and resting upside-down. 2-7. When swimming near a (e. Its scientific name is Synodontis nigriventris. Any feedback is appreciated, I currently have two upside down cats that really did appear to keep to themsleves but who knows what happens when the light is turned out at night. Tank Size . Ensure water hardness is within the suitable range of 5 to 20 dGH. Adult Size: 4. For them to reach their maximum lifespan, their diet, water. The Tiger Shovelnose. Food: Flake, live feeders, frozen, pellets. As their name suggests, these fish are able to swim upside down!. Fish do not act dead! If they are floating upside down, have swelled up like a balloon, or even swimming erratically near the top of the water surface, it is an indication of something being wrong. Striped Raphael Catfish. This species is native to the Congo Basin in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of the Congo. Common Names : Pictus Cat. Life Expectancy: 5 years. We can not complete the. Swimming upside down at the surface has brought about some changes in these fishes as well. Synodontis nigriventris. It might be lying upside down due to being severely constipated. Some love this for the cover it provides, while others depend on it for sustenance from the algae that naturally grows on it. He only manages to swim in a controlled fashion when he is. The pair have always been together. 0 inches. Similarly, arowanas, flowerhorns, Oscars, and other similar fish will not bother a fish of a similar size, but if that fish can fit into their mouths, they won't think twice! Provide enough space for each fish. The Upside Down Catfish is highly similar to the Cory Catfish in terms of size, structure, and attitude. Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons or a nano tank. With their unique swimming style and playful personalities, Upside-Down Catfish are sure to bring a smile to your face for years to. Max size: 4 inches. Synodontis membranaceus, known as the moustache catfish, is a species of upside-down catfish that is native to northern Africa. The growth rate is very quick in the first year of life, then slows as the fish matures. An adult can cost between $10 and $20. Fish Size: 4 inches. Synodontis nigriventris are best kept in small schools and hiding places should be provided in the tank. These fish spend more than 90 percent of their time in an inverted posture, with a reversed color scheme to other fish - with their belly being darker than the back. Bumblebee Catfish. It is better to keep a group of upside-down catfish together, with the average group size being between 4 and 6. Frequently demonstrating playful traits, the Pictus catfish are. 6 cm) Water Parameters : pH 6 - 8 | Temperature : 71°F - 79°F (22°C - 26°C) | Water Hardness : 5° to 12° dH. However, upside down cat has been used as common names for a lot of different synodontis, and even all synodontis as a whole. Upside-down catfish have a special organ on their backs compared to other different types of catfish. Community with no small fish. It can get up to 11. Have the fish swim in the solution for 15 to 30 minutes Remove the fish promptly and return him to his aquarium if he appears stressed or relieves himself. As always "If it fits in the mouth" applies. Common Names : Upside Down Catfish, Blotched upsidedown catfish. All topics related to…Upside Down Catfish. It is possible for upside-down catfish (Synodontis nigriventris) to swim upside down for extended periods of time. In 2010, the documentary "Catfish" came out, and people couldn't get enough of it. The Nigrita Catfish is a unique bottom dweller addition to most aquariums! The False Upside-Down Catfish, is an uncommon, medium-sized catfish species that boasts a mottled pattern. Water hardness: 3-10° KH. Some of them obviously fall victim to predators long before this. White cloud mountain minnow ( Tanichthys albonubes ): five to seven years. In nature, the upside-down catfish feeds primarily on insects at the surface of the water, and it often scavages the undersides of submerged branches and logs for worms, insects, and micro-organisms. The expected typical lifespan of these catfish is around 8 – 10 years; however, there have been reports of some fish living up to 25 years. How big do catfish get in a tank? Pareiorhina hyptiorhachis is only about 3-3. I did contact a breeder who said it could be eggs. Synodontis (Upside-Down) Catfish. . Like most catfish, it tends to hide during the day and become active at night, so adequate hiding spaces must be provided. Upside-Down Catfish. 0-7. The body is short and a bit flattened from sides. But swimming belly-up actually helps it camouflage and breathe better than its right-side-up cousin. Aquarium Conditions for Upside-Down Catfish. Its genus Synodontis currently has over 131 recognized species. This, for instance, is the Mekong giant catfish known to live for up to about 60 years. The catfish’s use as icon can be traced back to one of the oldest Egyptian artefacts, the Narmer Palette. Upside-Down Catfish are known for their unique swimming style and ability to cling to surfaces. It swam with the others and never exhibited any illness. 5: Diet : Omnivores but prefer a. AFS carries a few others, such as electric catfish and glass catfish. This catfish is usually around 3 to 4 inches long and can be brown, black, or yellow. Swim bladder disorder is the reason behind your cory catfish laying upside down. The aquarium should be spacious, with a soft sandy substrate in order to protect the long sensory barbels. 2 m). Angelicus Catfish are actually a separate upside-down catfish species and tend to have much shorter barbels. Sometimes, they will school together. Diet. The Cuckoo Catfish (Synodontis multipunctatus) is a fascinating and dynamic species of upside-down Catfish. The list includes a Bronze corydoras at 11 years old, no surprise there perhaps, but what about. pH: 6. In the wild, cory catfish school together to protect themselves from predators, so without schools, cory catfish may feel shy or threatened — even in captivity. The county’s marine life is along the Atlantic coast, in rivers with the largest being the Congo River and its tributaries and in several lakes such as Lake Tanganyika and Lake Kivu. 30 gal hosp/quart,1 baby bristlenose. [1] All the mochokids are freshwater species originating from Africa. 4 Bristlenose catfish, 3 are about 1. 5: Temperature:Mochokid catfish, blotched upside-down catfish, Synodontis catfish, Common Synodontis: Scientific Name : Synodontis nigriventris : Average Adult Size: 2 to 4 inches: Lifespan : 5 years: Minimum Tank Size : 10-gallon tanks: Ideal Temperatures : 72 – 79 degrees Fahrenheit: Ideal pH Levels : 6. Upside Down Catfish: A Fun and Unique Pet Fish! Fishkeeping World’s 4-in-1 Bundle Set eBook. "Getting catfished. This unusual behavior may help this catfish find food by allowing the fish to graze on the undersides of. They should make good tank mates for many of the smaller types of plecos. A 25% water change should be conducted at least once every two weeks. Loachaholica. It is often confused with an upside-down catfish,. March 20, 2021 at. This unique Synodontis swims upside down in order to feed on prey at the surface of the water. No, this fish got its name because it spends the majority of its time swimming upside down with its belly pointing towards the surface of the water in your tank. They appreciate adequate swimming space and often get stressed in cramped or overcrowded spaces. 2 Synodontis Angelicus: The Angelicus Catfish; 7. The ideal temperature for Cory catfish is between 72°F and 79°F (22°C – 26°C), so make sure that your heater is set correctly. Dive into the world of catfish! Explore their habits, different species, diets, fishing techniques, and conservation status. A veritable mascot of Synodontis types, the Upside-Down Catfish swims just like that—upside-down!Synodontis Catfish: Your Guide To Care And Maintenance - Badman's Tropical Fish. Upside-Down Catfish Image Courtesy of dkimages. The Upside Down Catfish is an omnivore and should be offered sinking catfish pellets, freeze-dried bloodworms and tubifex, plus a good quality flake food. They grow to be about 4 inches long and are ideal. Are you curious about this Upside Down Catfish fish species and how they can swim upturned? Find out in this exciting article!Goldfish are on the other end of the lifespan spectrum. Red or bloody gills (a sign of advanced poisoning). But how long do they live for? These cheerful fish can live up to 10 years in the right conditions, making them a great addition to any aquarium. If your fish already have swim bladder disorder, you can treat them with treatments we have mentioned before. Some others, such as Siamese fighters, are loners, best kept alone. I never figured out why. Welcome to r/atheism, the web's largest atheist forum. However, some well-maintained and healthy individuals have been known to live even longer,. Upside Down catfish: Although known for swimming upside down at the top of the aquarium water, this variety has the same inner ear structures and features as. High-quality canister and/or HOB filtration system (s) Any type of substrate. The squeaker featherfin catfish has three pairs of barrels. DOI: 10. Water Conditions. To replicate their natural habitat, keep the water temperature at 75-80F, pH levels at 6-8, and water hardness between 4 to 20 dGH. 5 inches in length and are probably sexually immature. The Gold Nigrita Catfish (Synodontis nigrita), also known as the False Upside-Down Catfish, is an uncommon, medium-sized catfish species that boasts lovely golden coloration as it matures. 6. Upside-Down Catfish Image Courtesy of dkimages. The lifespan of an upside-down catfish is approximately 5 years. I'm in the beginning stages of setting up a 40 gallon tank (I've had them in the past). Start typing, then use the up and down arrows to select an option from the list sign in Treats. The Upside Down Catfish is sensitive to nitrates so appropriate water conditions are key. They get along well with other small catfish as well as small peaceful fish such as small. More Upside-Down Catfish are known for their unique swimming style and ability to cling to surfaces. 11 to 8 ouncesThe axolotl (pronounced ACK-suh-LAH-tuhl) sala. Can fish swim upside down during a water change? In conclusion, water change, when done wrongly, can invite so many problems that you cannot even imagine. What fish can live with an upside down catfish? Some good tankmates for upside-down catfish are tetras, dwarf cichlids, and other peaceful fish like zebra danios and Corydoras catfish. The Synodontis Angelicus Catfish (Synodontis angelicus) is a species of upside-down catfish that tropical fish keeping enthusiasts also refer to as the Angel Catfish, Angelicus Cat, Black Clown Catfish, Polka-dot African catfish or Angel Squeaker. The Burmese or Asian Upside Down Catfish is a unique, medium-growing species of Bagrid found in the rivers of Myanmar in Southeast Asia. Lifespan. C. 0 inches / 101 mm: Maximum Adult Size: 4. Take great care when handling these fish to avoid getting poked by these. Min. They can perform underwater acrobatics such as knife edges, barrel rolls, and extended namesakes. Distinguishing between male and female Upside-down Catfish can be accomplished with relative ease. 8 inches in length. He looked very healthy and actively in the past roughly 10 days. The expected typical lifespan of these catfish is around 8 – 10 years; however, there have been reports of some fish living up to 25 years. There are nine genera and about 200 species of mochokids. 0 – 7. Read on to discover the list of popular fish. Thus, the name, as it implies, is “upside-down catfish. (Josh Cassidy. There are a few upside down cat species, all of different sizes. Images are copyright and may not be reproduced without permission of the copyright holder. Profile: Temperament: Peaceful; Care level: Easy; Lifespan: 5 to 15 years; Size: Up to 3. Upside Down catfish: Although known for swimming upside down at the top of the aquarium water, this variety has the same inner ear structures and features as other catfish. Dive into the world of aquatics with upside-down catfish. 75 inches (9. In captivity, they live 15-20 years due to better care in safety. nigriventris are juveniles measuring about 1 to 1. So this weekend I got the chance to watch this super interesting. May 31, 2022 Robert. 18gals is a bit on the small side for the stocking you have but I've seen worse. The upside-down catfish is a tiny yet active fish that has the unusual practice of hanging upside down while swimming and resting. Bad water conditions, infection, and constipation affects the swim bladder. They commonly have a lifespan of 8 to 10 years, but there are reports of them living up to 25 years. The lifespan is 7-9 years. Expected life span is 5 and more years. These fish are known for their ability to swim upside down and are a fascinating sight to behold. Water temperature – You’ll want the tank set at a steady 68°F to 75°F that mimics sub-tropical water temperatures (make sure you have a good heater) Tank water hardness – This should be kept at approximately 7 to 10 degrees or 125 ppm to 160 ppm. The upside-down catfish have been carved into Egyptian tomb walls dating back 4,000 years. C. Lifespan Of Upside Down Catfish. The Synodontis Catfish or Synodontis multipunctatus is a medium- to large-sized African catfish that is attractive, long-lived, and a great tank cleaner. 2. The Dwarf Upside Down Catfish, otherwise known as Synodontis nigriventris, is a peaceful fish native to Zaire and the Niger River basin. Blue catfish usually have a longer lifespan than channel catfish. Omnivore Pellet Foods Flake Foods Live Foods Life Span. The average Upside Down Catfish lifespan is about 15 years old! That means this species isn’t for the casual aquarist who isn’t looking for a long-term commitment. Add 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt for every 1 gallon of water. Upside Down Catfish have a dark colored. That means this quirky little fish will be a significant part of your life. g. This fish is best kept as. They shelter, often upside-down, in any holes, and cracks present. Fish float sideways or upside down because they lose their buoyancy, which is the ability to float or rise in a fluid.