False Upside-Down Catfish, (Synodontis nigrita) - Catfish for Sale UK

Sold as the False Upside-Down Catfish, Synodontis nigrita is an African species with the inquisitive, after-dark personality that makes the genus so popular. It is most engaging in the evening, when it leaves cover to forage along the bottom of the aquarium.

This particular grade is offered small, listed at around 4.5 cm, though it remains a long-lived fish with a potential lifespan of about ten years. It feeds as an omnivore and is happy with sinking foods, frozen treats and prepared diets. Its temperament is semi-aggressive — spirited rather than shy — and it can become territorial when in breeding condition.

A planted tank of at least 60 litres with wood, caves and gentle shade suits it, giving it daytime refuges and room to patrol. It accepts a fairly wide pH and hardness window — 6.0 to 7.8 and 5 to 20 dGH — which keeps it adaptable in a community setting and forgiving of typical UK water.

Keepers often ask whether the False Upside-Down Catfish stays small, and at the size offered here it is a modest fish, though it remains long-lived with a potential decade in the tank. It earns its place by being active and characterful once the lights dim, foraging confidently across the substrate it calls home.

At a glance

• Offered around 4.5 cm; lifespan up to 10 years
• Temperature 22–28°C, pH 6.0–7.8, hardness 5–20 dGH
• From 60 litres; a bottom-dwelling, moderate-care catfish
• Omnivore — sinking and frozen foods accepted
• Semi-aggressive; territorial when breeding

Choosing companions

Keep it with small to medium peaceful fish of similar temperament — other small Synodontis or peaceful African community fish, small barbs, small tetras and appropriately sized rainbowfish all work well. Avoid large predatory fish, overly aggressive territorial species, and very small fish or shrimp where predation is a concern. As it can turn territorial when breeding, a tank with several caves and shaded retreats helps everyone settle and reduces squabbles over space. Rated as moderate care, it asks for nothing exotic beyond stable water within its ranges and an omnivorous diet it can find on the substrate at night. Every False Upside-Down Catfish is sent with a licensed live-animal courier, backed by our live arrival guarantee.