Upside-Down Catfish

Upside-down catfish are omnivores that primarily feed on algae, biofilm, and plant matter found on wood and leaf undersides. Supplement their natural grazing with sinking pellets, algae wafers, and occasional frozen foods like bloodworms or brine shrimp 2-3 times weekly. They are nocturnal feeders, so provide food in the evening when they become active.

These catfish are peaceful, nocturnal bottom-dwellers that spend most of their time inverted on wood, rocks, and plant leaves while feeding on algae and biofilm. They are social and should be kept in groups of at least 4 to reduce stress and encourage natural schooling behavior. They are generally shy and inactive during the day, becoming more active after lights are dimmed.

Breeding in captivity is difficult and rarely achieved in home aquariums. They are cave spawners that require specific conditions including stable water parameters, plenty of hiding spots, and mature biofilm-rich environments. Fry are rarely seen in community tanks, and successful breeding requires dedicated breeding setups with minimal disturbance.