Latin name

Synodontis nigriventris

Other names

Synodontis nigriventris

Identification

Body stocky, slightly flattened at the sides. Back more convex than abdomen, eyes large, mouth lower with three pairs of antennae. 

Features of fish fins

The caudal fin is bipartite. The dorsal fin is triangular and has a strong first ray. Large fat fin. 

Fish colouring

Coloration is grayish beige with black-brown spots scattered on the body and fins. The belly is darker than the back. Females have large spots on the body.

Distribution

Widespread in the central Congo basin, including Lake Malebo and the Kasai and Ubangi rivers. There are also reports of the species in Kouilou in the Republic of Congo. Introduced into the Philippines.  

Habitat

Benthic pelagic fishes.

Size

The male is smaller and more slender than the female (males grow up to 6 cm, females up to 9.5 cm).

Behavior

Juveniles swim in the normal position for most fish - belly down, turning over after two months. Adult fish prefer to swim upside down in the water column.

Food and feeding habits

Feeds mainly at night on insects, crustaceans and plant food. Swimming upside down, they can feed by catching prey near the surface.

Reproduction

Sexual maturity is 2-3 years. Spawning is rare under aquarium conditions. The female lays over 450 eggs. Juveniles begin swimming on the 4th day.

Fishing

Not interesting for fishermen.

Relationship with a person

It is a gregarious, peaceful fish suitable for aquarium keeping.

Interesting facts

On ancient Egyptian tombs, there are pictures of fish swimming with their bellies upside down. For a long time, scientists could not understand why artists depicted fish upside down. But now, in Africa, they have discovered a Blotched Upside-Down Catfish that actually swims "upside down" to make it easier for it to "search" for plants floating on the surface of the water.