Catfish
Common Plecostomus
Bristlenose Plecostomus
Striped Raphael Catfish
Twig Catfish
Blue Sheatfish
Glass Catfish
Cory Catfish
Pictus Catfish
Upside Down Catfish
Bristlenose Plecostomus
Striped Raphael Catfish
Twig Catfish
Blue Sheatfish
Glass Catfish
Cory Catfish
Pictus Catfish
Upside Down Catfish
Common Pleco
Other common names: Pleco, plec, Sucker Fish, Common Pleco, Trinidad Plecostomus
Size: These fish get rather large, between 18 and 24 Inches.
Scientific Name: Hypostomus plecostomus, from the family Loricariidae.
Often confused with the Hypostomus punctatus (often called the Suckermouthed catfish), but these are two distinct species
Natural Habitat: Native to South America,
Description: The Plecostomus has an elongated body that is spiny everywhere except the belly. It has a tall dorsal fin and its head grows larger with age. The mouth is on the underside and resembles a suction cup, which it uses to suck algae. Its eyes are set high on the head, and can give a winking appearance as they roll inside the sockets.
The normal colors of a Pleco are different shades of brown. They can have a spotted or striped pattern or no pattern at all on some. There are also Albino Plecos that have no pigment at all.
*Recommended Tank Size and Temperament: The Plecostomus will become a large fish, which will eventually reach a size that requires them to be housed in at least a 55g (208 liter) aquarium. These fish enjoy laying around and, during the day, try to hide from the light.
Generally Plecos are rather peaceful fish although, they will not tolerate their own kind as they age. They are considered a docile community fish that will coexist with most fish of different species.
Water Parameters: These are a tropical fish so the temperature should be between 68F-72F (20-28C), pH 6.0-7.0. Some aquarists suggest that softer water is best, I have seen Plecos thrive in hard water as well.
Typical food: Plecos are omnivores, but primarily eat plant matter and algae such as Algae Wafers and Spiulina 20 Fish Food. If there is not enough for them to eat in your aquarium, be sure to supplement their diet with blood worms, algae pellets, etc.
Breeding: Plecos can be bred, when the proper cave dwelling is supplied for the male. Some like to make their own dwelling, and some take a while to catch on to this technique. It is easier to supply the needed tube/ covering for him. Also, be sure you have your parameters monitored.
Contributor Notes:
From "mistiking" of Everything Aquatic: My pleco was very mild mannered, although we didn't see him much. He just hid under wood and came out to eat at night. When he was small he did a great job of keeping the tank clean, but as he got older, he got lazy and made more mess than he cleaned. He was a very cool fish to keep as he was very pretty with spot like markings, and also when he swam and put his fins out. He did get really big for our 55 gal, and needed to be re homed to someone who could accommodate his size. We now have a Raphael Catfish, which shouldn't get as big.
Size: These fish get rather large, between 18 and 24 Inches.
Scientific Name: Hypostomus plecostomus, from the family Loricariidae.
Often confused with the Hypostomus punctatus (often called the Suckermouthed catfish), but these are two distinct species
Natural Habitat: Native to South America,
Description: The Plecostomus has an elongated body that is spiny everywhere except the belly. It has a tall dorsal fin and its head grows larger with age. The mouth is on the underside and resembles a suction cup, which it uses to suck algae. Its eyes are set high on the head, and can give a winking appearance as they roll inside the sockets.
The normal colors of a Pleco are different shades of brown. They can have a spotted or striped pattern or no pattern at all on some. There are also Albino Plecos that have no pigment at all.
*Recommended Tank Size and Temperament: The Plecostomus will become a large fish, which will eventually reach a size that requires them to be housed in at least a 55g (208 liter) aquarium. These fish enjoy laying around and, during the day, try to hide from the light.
Generally Plecos are rather peaceful fish although, they will not tolerate their own kind as they age. They are considered a docile community fish that will coexist with most fish of different species.
Water Parameters: These are a tropical fish so the temperature should be between 68F-72F (20-28C), pH 6.0-7.0. Some aquarists suggest that softer water is best, I have seen Plecos thrive in hard water as well.
Typical food: Plecos are omnivores, but primarily eat plant matter and algae such as Algae Wafers and Spiulina 20 Fish Food. If there is not enough for them to eat in your aquarium, be sure to supplement their diet with blood worms, algae pellets, etc.
Breeding: Plecos can be bred, when the proper cave dwelling is supplied for the male. Some like to make their own dwelling, and some take a while to catch on to this technique. It is easier to supply the needed tube/ covering for him. Also, be sure you have your parameters monitored.
Contributor Notes:
From "mistiking" of Everything Aquatic: My pleco was very mild mannered, although we didn't see him much. He just hid under wood and came out to eat at night. When he was small he did a great job of keeping the tank clean, but as he got older, he got lazy and made more mess than he cleaned. He was a very cool fish to keep as he was very pretty with spot like markings, and also when he swam and put his fins out. He did get really big for our 55 gal, and needed to be re homed to someone who could accommodate his size. We now have a Raphael Catfish, which shouldn't get as big.
Bristlenose Plecostomus
Other common names: Bushynose Plecostomus, Bristlenose Catfish, Bristlenose Pleco, Bushynose Catfish.
Size: These fish get to about 5 Inches.
Scientific Name: Ancistrus, from the family Loricariidae.
Natural Habitat: Native to South America
Description: The Bristlenose has an elongated body that is spiny everywhere except the belly, very similar to the Common Pleco. It also has a tall dorsal fin. The mouth is on the underside and resembles a suction cup, which it uses to suck algae. Its eyes are set high on the head, and they have tentacles on their head. These are more pronounced in males than females. The normal colors of a Bristlenose are different shades of brown. They can have a spotted or striped pattern or no pattern at all on some. There are also Albinos that are cream in color.
Recommended Tank Size and Temperament: The Bristlenose should be kept in no less than a 20 gal aquarium. These fish hang out on the bottom of the tank and try to hide from the light.
The Brislenose are considered a docile community fish that will coexist with most fish of different species.
Water Parameters: These are a tropical fish so the temperature should be between 62F-80F, pH 5.8-7.6.
Typical food: Bristlenose Plecos are Vegetarian and feed on plant matter and algae. They typically like algae pellets or high spirulina based flake foods such as Spiulina 20 Fish Food.
Breeding: Bristlenose Plecos can be bred pretty easily, if the proper breeding grounds are provided for the male. They are very similar to the Common Pleco when breeding.
Contributor Notes:
Size: These fish get to about 5 Inches.
Scientific Name: Ancistrus, from the family Loricariidae.
Natural Habitat: Native to South America
Description: The Bristlenose has an elongated body that is spiny everywhere except the belly, very similar to the Common Pleco. It also has a tall dorsal fin. The mouth is on the underside and resembles a suction cup, which it uses to suck algae. Its eyes are set high on the head, and they have tentacles on their head. These are more pronounced in males than females. The normal colors of a Bristlenose are different shades of brown. They can have a spotted or striped pattern or no pattern at all on some. There are also Albinos that are cream in color.
Recommended Tank Size and Temperament: The Bristlenose should be kept in no less than a 20 gal aquarium. These fish hang out on the bottom of the tank and try to hide from the light.
The Brislenose are considered a docile community fish that will coexist with most fish of different species.
Water Parameters: These are a tropical fish so the temperature should be between 62F-80F, pH 5.8-7.6.
Typical food: Bristlenose Plecos are Vegetarian and feed on plant matter and algae. They typically like algae pellets or high spirulina based flake foods such as Spiulina 20 Fish Food.
Breeding: Bristlenose Plecos can be bred pretty easily, if the proper breeding grounds are provided for the male. They are very similar to the Common Pleco when breeding.
Contributor Notes:
Striped Raphael
Other common names: Southern striped Raphael, talking catfish, chocolate doradid.
Size: These fish can grow up to 7 inches.
Scientific Name: Platydoras armatulus, from the family Doradidae.
Natural Habitat: Native to Columbia.
Description: The Raphael is a catfish with orange/ cream and black stripes horizontally along it's wide body. (Light stripes are female, dark stripes are Male) It is called the talking catfish as they open their mouths and make a "humming" sound when scared or feeding. These fish will use their barbs when scared.
Recommended Tank Size and Temperament: The Raphael Catfish should be in a 30 gallon or more and have ample hiding space for the daytime as these fish are nocturnal.
These fish are very mild mannered and can be housed in a community tank with other fish.
Water Parameters: Raphael's prefer a temperature of 75F-86F (23.89C-30C), pH 6.0 - 7.5.
Typical food: Crustaceans, Mullusks, and Plant Matter in their natural habitat. In aquariums, they will feed on algae, snails, and decomposing matter. If you have a newer tank or not much matter to feed your fish, I would recommend algae pellets or FD Brine Shrimp etc.
Breeding: Breeding these fish in captivity is very difficult.
Contributor Notes:
Size: These fish can grow up to 7 inches.
Scientific Name: Platydoras armatulus, from the family Doradidae.
Natural Habitat: Native to Columbia.
Description: The Raphael is a catfish with orange/ cream and black stripes horizontally along it's wide body. (Light stripes are female, dark stripes are Male) It is called the talking catfish as they open their mouths and make a "humming" sound when scared or feeding. These fish will use their barbs when scared.
Recommended Tank Size and Temperament: The Raphael Catfish should be in a 30 gallon or more and have ample hiding space for the daytime as these fish are nocturnal.
These fish are very mild mannered and can be housed in a community tank with other fish.
Water Parameters: Raphael's prefer a temperature of 75F-86F (23.89C-30C), pH 6.0 - 7.5.
Typical food: Crustaceans, Mullusks, and Plant Matter in their natural habitat. In aquariums, they will feed on algae, snails, and decomposing matter. If you have a newer tank or not much matter to feed your fish, I would recommend algae pellets or FD Brine Shrimp etc.
Breeding: Breeding these fish in captivity is very difficult.
Contributor Notes:
Twig Catfish
Other common names: Stick Catfish, whiptail catfish.
Size: These fish can grow up to 6 inches in length.
Scientific Name: Loricariidae. Subfamily: Loricariinae.
Natural Habitat: Native to Columbia and Venezuela.
Description: The Twig Catfish is long, slender and yellow and brown/ black in coloring. It is very good at blending in with its surroundings and is very inactive and mild mannered.
Recommended Tank Size and Temperament: The Stick Catfish should have a tank size of at least 10 Gallons.
These fish are very mild mannered and can be housed in a community tank with other fish, so long as the other fish don't pick on it.
Water Parameters: Twig Catfish prefer a temperature of 72F to 78F, pH 6.8 to 7.3.
Typical food: This fish is primarily a vegetarian, and will feed on plant matter, or your plants if it has not been provided enough food.
Breeding: Breeding the twig catfish in captivity is easy to do, however keeping the fry alive and healthy is quite another task. They will generally lay their eggs on a vertical surface, and the male will fan them for 6-8 days until they hatch.
Contributor Notes:
Size: These fish can grow up to 6 inches in length.
Scientific Name: Loricariidae. Subfamily: Loricariinae.
Natural Habitat: Native to Columbia and Venezuela.
Description: The Twig Catfish is long, slender and yellow and brown/ black in coloring. It is very good at blending in with its surroundings and is very inactive and mild mannered.
Recommended Tank Size and Temperament: The Stick Catfish should have a tank size of at least 10 Gallons.
These fish are very mild mannered and can be housed in a community tank with other fish, so long as the other fish don't pick on it.
Water Parameters: Twig Catfish prefer a temperature of 72F to 78F, pH 6.8 to 7.3.
Typical food: This fish is primarily a vegetarian, and will feed on plant matter, or your plants if it has not been provided enough food.
Breeding: Breeding the twig catfish in captivity is easy to do, however keeping the fry alive and healthy is quite another task. They will generally lay their eggs on a vertical surface, and the male will fan them for 6-8 days until they hatch.
Contributor Notes:
Blue Sheatfish
Other common names: No other common names.
Size: These fish can grow to 7 to 8 inches in length.
Scientific Name: Kryptopterus Subfamily: cryptopterus.
Natural Habitat: Native to several parts of Asia.
Description: The Blue Sheatfish Catfish is long, slender and eel like in its movements. It likes to hide in plants, and/ or driftwood and likes a current to swim in.
Recommended Tank Size and Temperament: This fish should have a tank size of at least 30 gallons, as it likes room to swim.
The Blue Sheatfish is a schooling fish and should have 3 or more fish. They are very mild mannered and can be housed in a community tank with other fish.
Water Parameters: The Blue Sheatfish Catfish prefer a temperature of 72F to 81F, pH 6 to 7.5.
Typical food: This fish is not a picky eater and will eat anything from live food to flake or pellet.
Breeding: Breeding in Aquaria has not been noted.
Contributor Notes:
From "mistiking" of Everything Aquatic: We have one of these in our 55 Gal Aquarium and he is very personable. He is very curious and will rub your hand when feeding! He hangs out in the pump current unless he is being fed, and is nice to all the other fish that share the tank.
Size: These fish can grow to 7 to 8 inches in length.
Scientific Name: Kryptopterus Subfamily: cryptopterus.
Natural Habitat: Native to several parts of Asia.
Description: The Blue Sheatfish Catfish is long, slender and eel like in its movements. It likes to hide in plants, and/ or driftwood and likes a current to swim in.
Recommended Tank Size and Temperament: This fish should have a tank size of at least 30 gallons, as it likes room to swim.
The Blue Sheatfish is a schooling fish and should have 3 or more fish. They are very mild mannered and can be housed in a community tank with other fish.
Water Parameters: The Blue Sheatfish Catfish prefer a temperature of 72F to 81F, pH 6 to 7.5.
Typical food: This fish is not a picky eater and will eat anything from live food to flake or pellet.
Breeding: Breeding in Aquaria has not been noted.
Contributor Notes:
From "mistiking" of Everything Aquatic: We have one of these in our 55 Gal Aquarium and he is very personable. He is very curious and will rub your hand when feeding! He hangs out in the pump current unless he is being fed, and is nice to all the other fish that share the tank.
Glass Catfish
Other common names: Ghost Glass Catfish, Ghosts, Ghost Fish, or Glass Cats
Size: These fish get up to 4 Inches in length.
Scientific Name: Kryptopterus bicirrhis, from the family Siluridae.
Natural Habitat: Native to Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand. The Glass Fish like to hide in dense vegetation, coves, and rocks.
Description: The Glass Cat is a long thin fish with very little fins. It swims very much like an eel and is transparent. You can see all bones and internal organs through it, and people have been known to dye them different colors.
Recommended Tank Size and Temperament: The Glass Catfish need a tank size of 10 gallons or more. They are a good community fish and like less light. They will be more active in dawn and dusk, and will hide out during the day. This is a schooling fish and should have at least 3 per tank for health and well being.
Water Parameters: These are delicate fish and require very strict parameters at 72F-82F, pH 6.8-7.2. These are prone to disease, and should be quarantined for 2 or 3 weeks prior to adding to your main tank. This will help you maintain proper parameters and feeding practices as well.
Typical food: Glass Cats are omnivores and will eat blood worms, algae pellets, Brine Shrimp, etc.
Breeding: The Glass Fish has not been bred in captivity.
Contributor Notes:
Size: These fish get up to 4 Inches in length.
Scientific Name: Kryptopterus bicirrhis, from the family Siluridae.
Natural Habitat: Native to Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand. The Glass Fish like to hide in dense vegetation, coves, and rocks.
Description: The Glass Cat is a long thin fish with very little fins. It swims very much like an eel and is transparent. You can see all bones and internal organs through it, and people have been known to dye them different colors.
Recommended Tank Size and Temperament: The Glass Catfish need a tank size of 10 gallons or more. They are a good community fish and like less light. They will be more active in dawn and dusk, and will hide out during the day. This is a schooling fish and should have at least 3 per tank for health and well being.
Water Parameters: These are delicate fish and require very strict parameters at 72F-82F, pH 6.8-7.2. These are prone to disease, and should be quarantined for 2 or 3 weeks prior to adding to your main tank. This will help you maintain proper parameters and feeding practices as well.
Typical food: Glass Cats are omnivores and will eat blood worms, algae pellets, Brine Shrimp, etc.
Breeding: The Glass Fish has not been bred in captivity.
Contributor Notes:
Cory Catfish
Other common names: Cory Cat, Cory, Corydoras, Cories
Size: These fish get up to 5 Inches in length.
Scientific Name: Corydoras. There are several species from this family, however they are all very similar in care.
A few examples of Corydoras Catfish kept or sought by aquarium keepers:
Emeralds; have larger dorsal fin with 10-12 rays.
The Bronze; (sometimes also called green cory catfish) have 6-8 dorsal rays
The False & True Julii Cory are about 2 inches in length (the false Julii is pictured above). The False Julii is probably the most popular Cory Catfish.
The false julii cory catfish can be distinguished from true julii because it has a darker and more irregular maze like pattern of black stripes on a white or silvery body. It also has a more bold black line on each side and more bold black on the dorsal fin. True Corydoras julii are similar but instead have tiny black spots on the body and a thinner black line on the sides.
Natural Habitat: Native South America. The Cory Catfish is a very social fish, however some prefer to hide in plants and decorations.
Description: The Cory Cat is a bottom dweller, and has barbs on its face, typical of many catfish. The females are larger than the male, and they come in many colors depending on the type.
Recommended Tank Size and Temperament: The Cory Catfish need a tank size of 10 gallons or more. They are a great community fish and like less light. This is a schooling fish and should have at least 3 per tank for health and well being.
Water Parameters: These are somewhat delicate fish and require parameters at 75F-79F, pH between 7 and 7.2.
Typical food: Cory Cats are omnivores and should be fad an assortment of different food such as blood worms, algae pellets, Brine Shrimp, HBH Tropical Flake, etc.
Breeding: The Cory has been bred in captivity, however they have been known to eat their own eggs. The best way to ensure the survival of fertilized eggs is to remove them from the main tank and put them in a hospital tank with the EXACT water parameters as the breeding tank. Please also note the eggs should never leave the water. Fry must be fed an appropriate diet (such as Hikari First Bites) to ensure their survival and good health.
Sexing Tips:
While this can vary in each species, often with no difference; the ventral fins of the males tends to be more elongate and pointed, where as in females they are fan shaped and rounded.
Healthy Females are generally more "wide" than males. When viewed from above, the widest point of a female Cory Catfish body is at a point level with or slightly to the rear of the ventral fin spines. In males the widest point is level with or slightly behind the pectoral fin spines
Generally female Cory Cats grow larger than males. This though can be a difficult way to sex, since most owners of Cory Cats have these fish at some point in their "growing phase"
Contributor Notes:
Excellent further reading:
Starting with Corydoras
Size: These fish get up to 5 Inches in length.
Scientific Name: Corydoras. There are several species from this family, however they are all very similar in care.
A few examples of Corydoras Catfish kept or sought by aquarium keepers:
Emeralds; have larger dorsal fin with 10-12 rays.
The Bronze; (sometimes also called green cory catfish) have 6-8 dorsal rays
The False & True Julii Cory are about 2 inches in length (the false Julii is pictured above). The False Julii is probably the most popular Cory Catfish.
The false julii cory catfish can be distinguished from true julii because it has a darker and more irregular maze like pattern of black stripes on a white or silvery body. It also has a more bold black line on each side and more bold black on the dorsal fin. True Corydoras julii are similar but instead have tiny black spots on the body and a thinner black line on the sides.
Natural Habitat: Native South America. The Cory Catfish is a very social fish, however some prefer to hide in plants and decorations.
Description: The Cory Cat is a bottom dweller, and has barbs on its face, typical of many catfish. The females are larger than the male, and they come in many colors depending on the type.
Recommended Tank Size and Temperament: The Cory Catfish need a tank size of 10 gallons or more. They are a great community fish and like less light. This is a schooling fish and should have at least 3 per tank for health and well being.
Water Parameters: These are somewhat delicate fish and require parameters at 75F-79F, pH between 7 and 7.2.
Typical food: Cory Cats are omnivores and should be fad an assortment of different food such as blood worms, algae pellets, Brine Shrimp, HBH Tropical Flake, etc.
Breeding: The Cory has been bred in captivity, however they have been known to eat their own eggs. The best way to ensure the survival of fertilized eggs is to remove them from the main tank and put them in a hospital tank with the EXACT water parameters as the breeding tank. Please also note the eggs should never leave the water. Fry must be fed an appropriate diet (such as Hikari First Bites) to ensure their survival and good health.
Sexing Tips:
While this can vary in each species, often with no difference; the ventral fins of the males tends to be more elongate and pointed, where as in females they are fan shaped and rounded.
Healthy Females are generally more "wide" than males. When viewed from above, the widest point of a female Cory Catfish body is at a point level with or slightly to the rear of the ventral fin spines. In males the widest point is level with or slightly behind the pectoral fin spines
Generally female Cory Cats grow larger than males. This though can be a difficult way to sex, since most owners of Cory Cats have these fish at some point in their "growing phase"
Contributor Notes:
Excellent further reading:
Starting with Corydoras
Pictus Catfish
Other common names: Pictus, Pictus Cat, Pimelodella, Pim
Size: These fish get up to 10 Inches in length.
Scientific Name: Pictus. From the family Pimelodidae.
Natural Habitat: Native South America. The Pictus prefer to hide in plants, caves, and decorations during the day and come out more at night.
Description: The Pictus is a mid tank swimmer, and has long barbs on its face. The females are larger than the male, and they are white with black spots, including on the fins. They like a current to swim in.
Recommended Tank Size and Temperament: The Pictus need a tank size of 55 gallons or more. These are a great fish for a community tank with larger fish. If paired with smaller fish, the pictus may decide to eat them. Pictus should have at least one friend of the same species.
Water Parameters: PH 6.5 - 7.5 with a temperature of 73*F to 82*F
Typical food: Pictus are omnivores and should be fed an assortment of different food such as blood worms, algae pellets, Brine Shrimp, Spirulina 20, etc.
Breeding: The Pictus has not been known to breed in captivity.
Contributor Notes: By Carl S. (from Everything Aquatic)
Pictus Catfish can be active and interesting fish, however these catfish also tend to be "Ich Magnets", so care to prevent Ich via medicated Fish Baths or Quarantine prior to introduction is helpful.
As well it is noteworthy that Ich MUST be present for a fish to be infected; See: Aquarium Ich
Size: These fish get up to 10 Inches in length.
Scientific Name: Pictus. From the family Pimelodidae.
Natural Habitat: Native South America. The Pictus prefer to hide in plants, caves, and decorations during the day and come out more at night.
Description: The Pictus is a mid tank swimmer, and has long barbs on its face. The females are larger than the male, and they are white with black spots, including on the fins. They like a current to swim in.
Recommended Tank Size and Temperament: The Pictus need a tank size of 55 gallons or more. These are a great fish for a community tank with larger fish. If paired with smaller fish, the pictus may decide to eat them. Pictus should have at least one friend of the same species.
Water Parameters: PH 6.5 - 7.5 with a temperature of 73*F to 82*F
Typical food: Pictus are omnivores and should be fed an assortment of different food such as blood worms, algae pellets, Brine Shrimp, Spirulina 20, etc.
Breeding: The Pictus has not been known to breed in captivity.
Contributor Notes: By Carl S. (from Everything Aquatic)
Pictus Catfish can be active and interesting fish, however these catfish also tend to be "Ich Magnets", so care to prevent Ich via medicated Fish Baths or Quarantine prior to introduction is helpful.
As well it is noteworthy that Ich MUST be present for a fish to be infected; See: Aquarium Ich
Upside Down Catfish
Other common names: Mochokid Catfish,
Size: These fish get up to 4 Inches in length.
Scientific Name: Synodontis. This has several species, which are very similar to each other. This profile will clump the upside down variety into one category.
Natural Habitat: Native to Africa. The Upside Down Cat prefer to hide on the underside of caves, logs, etc.
Description: The Upside Down Catfish swims upside down and eats from the underside of logs, caves, and also will eat from the top of the water. This is a catfish and thus, has barbs on its face, and is a personable fish. This fish will come out during the day on occasion, and should be kept in groups of at least 3 of the same species.
Recommended Tank Size and Temperament: The upside down catfish need a tank size of at least 10 gallons. These are a great fish for a community tank. .
Water Parameters: PH 6.5 - 7.5 with a temperature of 72*F to 82*F
Typical food: This is an omnivore and will eat a variety of food including flake, pellets, bloodworms, etc.
Breeding: The upside down catfish is difficult to breed in captivity.
Contributor Notes:
Please reference this very in depth article that deals in researched FACTS, this is an IMPORTANT READ for anyone interested in moving from basic aquarium keeping to more advanced aquarium keeping:
Size: These fish get up to 4 Inches in length.
Scientific Name: Synodontis. This has several species, which are very similar to each other. This profile will clump the upside down variety into one category.
Natural Habitat: Native to Africa. The Upside Down Cat prefer to hide on the underside of caves, logs, etc.
Description: The Upside Down Catfish swims upside down and eats from the underside of logs, caves, and also will eat from the top of the water. This is a catfish and thus, has barbs on its face, and is a personable fish. This fish will come out during the day on occasion, and should be kept in groups of at least 3 of the same species.
Recommended Tank Size and Temperament: The upside down catfish need a tank size of at least 10 gallons. These are a great fish for a community tank. .
Water Parameters: PH 6.5 - 7.5 with a temperature of 72*F to 82*F
Typical food: This is an omnivore and will eat a variety of food including flake, pellets, bloodworms, etc.
Breeding: The upside down catfish is difficult to breed in captivity.
Contributor Notes:
Please reference this very in depth article that deals in researched FACTS, this is an IMPORTANT READ for anyone interested in moving from basic aquarium keeping to more advanced aquarium keeping: