The Burmese Upside Down Catfish (Mystus leucophasis) is a peaceful, black, elongated freshwater fish from Myanmar that is known for swimming upside down. It can grow up to 10 inches and is a bottom-dweller that is also an opportunistic scavenger. Unlike its African counterparts, the Burmese Upside Down Catfish has a uniform dark color with potential lighter flecking, not the "countershading" of the African species.
Appearance
Color: Mostly uniform black, sometimes with lighter flecks on the sides as it gets larger.
Shape: Sleek, elongated, and a bottom-dweller.
Size: Up to 10 inches (25 cm) as an adult.
Distinguishing feature: Its signature behavior of swimming upside down.
Temperament and behavior
Behavior: Peaceful and often seen swimming upside down, which is a way for it to reduce wave drag and conserve energy.
Social: Not a shoaling species but can be kept in groups of two females per male.
Activity: Can be active at all levels, not just the bottom, and may even uproot plants if not secured.
Tankmates: Good for community tanks, but should not be housed with fish that are too small (as it will eat them) or too large (as it can get stuck in a predator's throat).
Care
Diet: Omnivorous and opportunistic, it will eat prepared sinking pellets, freeze-dried foods like bloodworms, and algae.
Aquarium: Needs a 50-gallon or larger tank that is well-planted with hiding places like driftwood or caves.
Water conditions: Prefers temperatures of 75−82∘𝐹 (24−28∘𝐶), a pH of 6.0−7.5 and a KH range of 4−124.
The Burmese Upside Down Catfish (Mystus leucophasis) is a peaceful, black, elongated freshwater fish from Myanmar that is known for swimming upside down. It can grow up to 10 inches and is a bottom-dweller that is also an opportunistic scavenger. Unlike its African counterparts, the Burmese Upside Down Catfish has a uniform dark color with potential lighter flecking, not the "countershading" of the African species.
Appearance
Color: Mostly uniform black, sometimes with lighter flecks on the sides as it gets larger.
Shape: Sleek, elongated, and a bottom-dweller.
Size: Up to 10 inches (25 cm) as an adult.
Distinguishing feature: Its signature behavior of swimming upside down.
Temperament and behavior
Behavior: Peaceful and often seen swimming upside down, which is a way for it to reduce wave drag and conserve energy.
Social: Not a shoaling species but can be kept in groups of two females per male.
Activity: Can be active at all levels, not just the bottom, and may even uproot plants if not secured.
Tankmates: Good for community tanks, but should not be housed with fish that are too small (as it will eat them) or too large (as it can get stuck in a predator's throat).
Care
Diet: Omnivorous and opportunistic, it will eat prepared sinking pellets, freeze-dried foods like bloodworms, and algae.
Aquarium: Needs a 50-gallon or larger tank that is well-planted with hiding places like driftwood or caves.
Water conditions: Prefers temperatures of 75−82∘𝐹 (24−28∘𝐶), a pH of 6.0−7.5 and a KH range of 4−124.
