False Upside Down Zebra Catfish, Pet City
False Upside Down Zebra Catfish, Pet City

False Upside Down Zebra Catfish

$39.99 NZD $28.99 NZD Save 28% Sold out
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Live Fish

Quantity:: 1 x
  • DOA Cover*
  • Insulated Box & Heat Pads
Shipping & Returns

All live fish are shipped using NZPost overnight services with authority to leave (no signature).

We cannot guarantee the overnight services, this is a service that we/you pay for; but is not guaranteed.

We DO NOT offer returns on any alive animal.

Above are key points of our policy, Click Here to read our full shipping policy.
Dead On Arrival (DOA) Cover*
  • DOA must be reported within 2 hours of delivery.
  • Bags must remain sealed (do not remove rubber band or tape)
  • Photos & Videos must be supplied this can be emailed or sent through live chat; including your order No. (minimum 3 clear images, showing dead fish & sealed bag)
  • DOA does not apply once the bags are opened & fish have been released.
  • DOA does not apply to any Rural (RD) address.

Click Here for DOA Cover Policy
Introducing New Fish

Follow these steps to minimize stress and ensure a smooth transition for your new fish!

  1. Float the Bag: Place the sealed bag containing the new fish in the tank. This equalizes the temperature between bag and tank water.
  2. Open and Add Tank Water Gradually: After about 5 minutes, open the bag and add a small amount of aquarium water into it every 5 minutes for 15–30 minutes. This helps the fish acclimate to the tank’s water chemistry.
  3. Wait 15–30 Minutes: Let the fish adjust to the water temperature and chemistry gradually in the bag.
  4. Release Fish: Gently release the fish into the tank without pouring the original bag water in.
Quantity:

False Upside Down Zebra Catfish

The False Upside Down Zebra Catfish is commonly found throughout Africa, occupying calm backwaters, ponds, and pools. For their well-being, the tank must have a generous amount of soft sand as a substrate to protect their delicate whiskers. In addition, the tank should be adorned with ample amounts of bogwood, rocky caves, and sturdy plants to offer shaded areas, while still allowing for enough open space to swim.


  • Scientific Name: Synodontis nigrita

  • Common Names: False Upside-Down Catfish, Lace Catfish, Spotted Catfish

  • Family: Mochokidae

  • Size: Up to 33.5 cm (13.2 inches) in total length

  • Lifespan: Approximately 8–10 years in captivity

 

Natural Habitat

Synodontis nigrita is widely distributed across Africa, inhabiting slow-moving rivers, floodplains, and lakes. Its range includes the Chad, Niger, Senegal, Gambia, Casamance, Geba, Kolente, and Volta basins, as well as the Nile basin . These environments are characterized by soft substrates and abundant hiding spots, which the species utilizes for shelter and foraging

Physical Characteristics

  • Coloration: Juveniles exhibit a light brown body with numerous black spots, which may fade as they mature into a darker brown or blackish hue. Fins often retain spotted patterns, particularly the adipose fin .

  • Body Structure: Robust and elongated with a strong, bony head capsule. Possesses three pairs of barbels (one maxillary and two mandibular) that aid in sensory perception.

  • Fins: Equipped with hardened dorsal and pectoral fin spines for defense. The caudal fin is deeply forked, facilitating agile movement

Behavior and Temperament

While named "False Upside-Down Catfish," S. nigrita does not habitually swim upside down like its relative S. nigriventris. It may occasionally rest in an inverted position but predominantly swims upright. The species is generally peaceful but can exhibit territorial behavior, especially as it matures. Providing ample hiding spaces can mitigate aggression .

Aquarium Care

  • Tank Size: A minimum of 50 gallons is recommended to accommodate their size and activity level.

  • Water Parameters:

    • Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)

    • pH: 6.5–7.5

    • Hardness: 8–17°N (142.86–303.57 ppm)

  • Substrate: Soft, sandy substrate to protect their sensitive barbels.

  • Decor: Incorporate driftwood, rocks, and caves to provide hiding spots and reduce stress.

  • Diet: Omnivorous; feed a varied diet including sinking pellets, frozen foods (e.g., bloodworms, brine shrimp), and occasional vegetable matter like cucumber or shelled peas. Avoid overfeeding, as they are prone to bloating

Breeding

Breeding S. nigrita in home aquariums is uncommon and not well-documented. In the wild, they are believed to spawn during the flooding season, forming pairs that swim in unison. They are egg scatterers and do not exhibit parental care. Commercial breeding often involves hormone-induced spawning techniques


*Product Photo is for reference only. Exact fish may vary in size and colour

 

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