I saw upsidedown catfish for the first time today. At first I thought they were quite sick, then looked at their name! Does anyone have these in their tanks? Is it best to have more than one? What is the minimum sized tank that one or two can live? Thanks!
Upsidedown catfish?
- Thread starter Jakmax
- Start date
Very cool cat. I recomend it. It's peaceful, and should do pretty good in a 20 gallon. I really enjoy watching this fish. Be sure to give it somewhere to hide out when it is not on the prowl.
I think they prefer groups, but would do fine alone.
I think they prefer groups, but would do fine alone.
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Here are a couple of links for you to read, if you are interested.
Aquaria Central profile
Planet Catfish profile
Aquaria Central profile
Planet Catfish profile
And if you want a real hoot, keep the Giant Inverting Catfish, a cousin of the small ones, known as Brachysynodontis batensoda. Gets to 8-10", very dark, high dorsal fin with extended filaments, and spends most of its time upside down. Largely nocturnal, but harmless except to close kin, it won't even eat guppies. It may spook other non-noctural fish by crusing around the tank in the dark.
The standard upside down cats do best in groups - they are much less bashful that way as they feel secure with kin in sight, much like Cory cats do, and while young will school a bit but not as much a Cory cats.
The standard upside down cats do best in groups - they are much less bashful that way as they feel secure with kin in sight, much like Cory cats do, and while young will school a bit but not as much a Cory cats.
Thanks to both of you for the helpful info. I was going to get 2-3 otos, but may get a couple of these guys instead. Can I fit 3 into my 20 gallon high tank with about 13 other fish (6 neons 6 rummynose and 1 dwarf gourami)?
Maybe 1 with all those other fish. What kind of filter do you have and how often do you change the water. Catfish can be pretty messy.
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I have a Penguin bio-wheel 170. I believe it said it could filter a tank up to 50 gallons (I got a package- tank, filter, heater, etc). I'd hate to get just one and have him be lonely. Anyone else out there have just one!
I would be more concerned with over-stocking than keeping only 1 upside down cat. A 20 gallon high will not have as much swiming room as a long, but it should be enough. I'm not very familiar with penguin filters, but it looks like it is adequate.
With all those other fish, make sure you keep an eye on water conditions.
With all those other fish, make sure you keep an eye on water conditions.