Upside down catfish lifespan. Have the fish swim in the solution for 15 to 30 minutes Remove the fish promptly and return him to his aquarium if he appears stressed or relieves himself. Upside down catfish lifespan

 
 Have the fish swim in the solution for 15 to 30 minutes Remove the fish promptly and return him to his aquarium if he appears stressed or relieves himselfUpside down catfish lifespan 7 to 5

The Mochokidae are a family of catfishes ( order Siluriformes) that are known as the squeakers and upside-down catfish (although not all species swim upside-down). A dimly lit aquarium with a soft substrate and rocks, pieces of driftwood and twisted roots arranged to form hiding places suits this species. 5 inches in length and are probably sexually immature. In the wild, it often grazes on. Although the new species is only the size of a decorative fish, there are even smaller. 5 inchesUpside Down Catfish can tolerate a wide pH range, but ideally, the water should have a pH between 6. KAMI SCHAEFER. 5 inches and does well at a water temperature in the range of 72º to 82º Fahrenheit, with a pH of 6. 0. Food fishes. Sometimes, they will school together. 5. These types of catfish are known to swim upside down. With their unique swimming style and playful personalities, Upside-Down Catfish are sure to bring a smile to your face for years to. 5 cm in length, making one of the smallest representatives of the catfish order. 379 Litres (100 US G. I'm afraid your tank isn't big enough for an upside down catfish or the oscar. An adult can cost between $10 and $20. C. Is it a Brachysynodontis batonsoda or the smaller synodontis nigriventris. Other small catfish species continued to surprise me, with Corydoras really opening my eyes. 1996. T. 8. 1242/jeb. This nocturnal species of catfish is more populous in Amazon and Orinoco River basins. 0 to 7. Rating: 100%. The scientific name nigriventris refers to the fact that the belly of this fish is darker than the dorsal area. 345. Like many other Catfish species, this too is a schooling fish, so keeping them in schools of 5 or 6 is best. 0-7. We can not complete the. Cory catfish: Coloration varies among this species from albino to brown. In a well-equipped aquarium, the Upside-Down Catfish can live up to fifteen years. Other catfish species with three pairs of barbels are the. The estimated life span and age of sexual maturity for upside-down catfish is unverifiable. These fish seem to do better in PH over 7 but can survive in PH as low as 6. Striped Raphael Catfish. Water Parameters. My beta, african feather fin catfish, and upside down catfish all leave the ghosts alone. If your cory catfish exhibits the following symptoms of poor health, it is dying. This type of catfish is peaceful and gentle, making it a good choice for a koi pond. Catfish – Life History and Evolution The catfish population is very diverse with almost 3000 species known to date. All you need is a bowl and a pair of scissors to save the fish. ” Also, it is known for its ability to attract attention and can. The teleost Synodontis nigriventris is an African catfish in a genus with several species that have been noted for their peculiar postural control (Meyer et al. Their unusual behavior have been fascinating humans for centuries. Upside Down Catfish particularly love mosquito larvae. It can get up to 11. Uncommon. Asia. These medium-sized and robust fish are both visually striking and exhibit intriguing behaviour. Recently considered the possibility of getting an Asian upside down catfish instead of a featherfin catfish for my existing 473 liter (if I do end up going that route, I will make sure to get a male since they stay smaller than females), but am somewhat unsure, both in terms of choice and which would be a better. Until today, I found him swimming upside down, and there was once he jumped. Synodontis Ocellifer Catfish $25. Here's a list of fish commonly. They commonly have a lifespan of 8 to 10 years, but there are reports of them living up to 25 years. These fish will grow to be four and a half inches long. Nile Upside-Down Catfish . Upside down catfish. Common Names : Redtail Catfish. With their unique swimming style and playful personalities, Upside-Down Catfish are sure to bring a smile to your face for years to. DOI: 10. It’s even possible that you might see the cory catfish laying on its side since it isn’t able to move normally. General Behaviour of Your Upside-Down Catfish Considered as one of the most peaceful members of their genus, the. In captivity, Tiger Shovelnose Catfish have been known to live for up to 15 years. Check out how these fish look like over here. Lighting. Not all mochokids swim upside-down; Synodontis nigrita is one of them. 8 inches in length. Add to. Čitač kućnih ljubimaca . Average Lifespan 5 – 10 years. Look up Synodontis nigrita on Encyclopedia of Life: Look up Synodontis nigrita on Global Biodiversity Information Facility: LFS label creator: Last Update: 2023 Jan 12. Coincidentally, 6 cory catfish is the maximum you should keep in a 10-gallon tank. Upside Down Catfish tend to live for around 15 years. Catfish - Upside-Down Catfish. Profile: Temperament: Peaceful; Care level: Easy; Lifespan: 5 to 15 years; Size: Up to 3. It turns out there are plenty of fish whose names start with ‘u’. They are also nocturnalOverhanging roots and plants can look very natural and the Upside-down catfish, Synodontis nigriventris, has even evolved to live its entire life upside down, under tree roots. The female lives are longer than the male. It is better to keep a group of upside-down catfish together, with the average group size being between 4 and 6. To give your fish an Epsom salt bath, pour half of the tank’s water into a clean container. The species name membranaceus refers to membranes present on the. The average glass catfish lifespan is between 7 and 8 years. Temperature 74 – 79°F (23 – 26°C)7. Mar 7, 2022. 1 Additional names. The squeaker featherfin catfish has three pairs of barrels. Upside-down catfish. What fish can live with an upside down catfish? Some good tankmates for upside-down catfish are tetras, dwarf cichlids, and other peaceful fish like zebra danios and Corydoras catfish. Common Names : Upside Down Catfish, Blotched upsidedown catfish. There is another type of catfish that dwells in Africa called upside down catfish, a different species known as Synodontis. They are also to be found in the water ways of Cameroon and both of the Congo republics. There are many species of this catfish. It’s great that mollies are such peaceful fish. Lifespan: 7-8 years: Size: 5 inches: Diet: Omnivore: Family: Siluridae: Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons: Tank Set-Up: Planted community:. 0. The Upside-down catfish is an extremely unusual fish that has the amazing ability to swim upside down to more easily access food on the water surface or on the underside of rocks, wood, and the like. ; Imperial Tropicals — sells longfin albino, chocolate, super red, and blue eye lemon bristlenose plecos. 2 catfish ,bristlenose x 2. The Featherfin Squeaker is fairly large and a long-lived catfish. Common Names: Stone Catfish, Petricola Catfish, Pygmy leopard catfish Life Expectancy: 10-15 years Adult Size: Up to 8 inches. The Squeakers, Lace or Upside Down Catfishes, Family Mochokidae. pH: 6. This article will give an overview of Synodontis Catfish fish size, for sale, care, max size, food, species, tank size, breeding, full size, and price. Fasting is needed to treat if the reason behind swim bladder is bloating, and antibiotical treatment is required if the cause is infection. This type of catfish often swims upside down and very close to the surface. Upside-down catfish, blotched upside-down catfish: Origin: Central Africa: Family: Mochokidae: Size: 4 inches (20 cm) Social: Peaceful: Care: Easy: Lifespan: 5 years: pH: 6 to 7. An illustration of the Narmer Palette, a circa 3100 B. Read on to discover the list of popular fish. With their unique swimming style and playful personalities, Upside-Down Catfish are sure to bring a smile to your face for years to. But how long do they live for? These cheerful fish can live up to 10 years in the right conditions, making them a great addition to any aquarium. outofwater Fishaholic. Scientific Name: Synodontis Nigriventris. Look up Mystus leucophasis on Encyclopedia of Life: Look up Mystus leucophasis on Global Biodiversity Information Facility: LFS label creator: Last Update:. The aquarium should be spacious, with a soft sandy substrate in order to protect the long sensory barbels. Upside Down catfish are highly sensitive to nitrates, and pristine water conditions. Jan 10, 2023. While their tank water should be on the soft side, the overall temperature isn’t critical. In captivity, they live 15-20 years due to better care in safety. Oct 20, 2021. GB. A minimum tank size for a single Pictus Catfish is 50 gallons, but 75 gallons or. I almost never see them. 5 inch fish per 10 gallons of water can be safely introduced. This fish only reaches about 7cm/3" at most and likes neutral or slightly acidic water. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about upside-down catfish care. Their behavior is the result of a bottom-dwelling fish adapting to take advantage of oxygen-rich water near the surface. The average lifespan of an upside down catfish is around 5-7 years when given proper care and nutrition in captivity; however, some specimens may live longer if. Buy online Upside-Down Catfish. Like many other Catfish species, this too is a schooling fish, so keeping them in schools of 5 or 6 is best. In captivity, they live 15-20 years due to better care in safety. They shelter, often upside-down, in any holes, and cracks present. Asian Upside-down Catfish Burmese Upside-down Catfish, Großer Asiatischer Rückenschwimmender Erls , Sittang Mystus: Type Locality: Sitang and other Myanmar rivers. As an omnivore this. nigriventris, grows to about 6cm/2" on average and can be kept in a small group in a smallish or medium-sized tank. 0 inches / 101 mm: Lifespan: 5 years: Water Parameters. Upside Down Catfish spend the daylight hours hiding in caves and their nights are spent swimming continually upside down. Africa. They also go by the names mochokid catfish, blotched. Bumblebee Catfish. These fish spend upwards of 90%. 5 corydoras. 5x Sterbai Cory - Corydoras Sterbai Catfish - Live Fish. Suckermouth Catfish. 1 Additional names. Family Mochokidae Contents. These unique little fish have some specific characteristics that make it important to choose their companions wisely. Synodontis njassae. When it comes to keeping a pet catfish, selecting the right species is critical. Even though the temperature is not a critical factor, but the Upside-Down. They also have a long life span compared to other aquarium fish, and can live up to 15 years! Their upside-down swimming habit is a very functional one: It enables them to produce less wave drag and feed more easily on insect. One of my five Upside Down Catfish was bloated (not that large) for several years. They are also known as upside-down catfish because they can swim upside down. Recommended Tank Size and Temperament: The upside down catfish need a tank size of at least 10 gallons. 1 Synodontis Nigriventris: The Upside-Down Catfish; 7. Upside Down Catfish Care. Gasping at the surface. Some swim upside-down. Cory catfish prefer to live in even-numbered schools; an ideal school would be 4 or 6 fish. Upside Down Catfish. The Featherfin Squeaker is fairly large and a long-lived catfish. Difficulty. Dwarf Petricola, False Cuckoo catfish: Care Level: Easy: Lifespan: 20 years: Max Size: 3. Angelicus Catfish are actually a separate upside-down catfish species and tend to have much shorter barbels. Otocinclus Catfish. If these larvae are not present, they will feed on plants and driftwood. Swim Bladder Disease. More Upside-Down Catfish are known for their unique swimming style and ability to cling to surfaces. Try a specific swim bladder treatment. There are nine genera and about 200 species of mochokids. 1 Additional scientific names; 2 Sexing; 3. Featherfin Squeakers are a species of “upside down” catfish that can swim upside down at will. You either need to get a bigger tank or rehome the fish, or they will get stunted, sick or even die. Upside-down. The upside-down catfish is a tiny yet active fish that has the unusual practice of hanging upside down while swimming and resting. Similarly, arowanas, flowerhorns, Oscars, and other similar fish will not bother a fish of a similar size, but if that fish can fit into their mouths, they won't think twice! Provide enough space for each fish. multipunctatus is notable for its breeding behaviour - it is a brood parasite, similar to the cuckoo from which it. Ti was a supervisor of. Fish species include: Tilapia, eels, puffer fish, catfish, elephant fish, mullet, carp, Nile perch, upside-down catfish, and moonfish. 00 shipping. Check Black Neon Tetra 101: Best Care Guide, Species Summary & All. Start typing, then use the up and down arrows to select an option from the list sign in Treats. Further, this upside-down swimming posture makes surface feeding easier for the fish. The upside-down catfish's name refers to this fish's ability to swim upside-down. The Synodontis Lucipinnis lifespan is quite long if given the right care, with a reported maximum age of 28 years. com. Looking for information on Upside-Down Catfish? Well, you've come to the right place! These amazing little creatures have a lifespan of around 5 to 8 years, making them the perfect addition to any aquarium. The largest catfish are both heavy and long. You can't add more fish. And a 9 inch pleco. Lifespan: 6+ years; Tank Level: All levels; Diet: Omnivore, eats most foods; pH: 6 – 7. 22-26°C. The Behavior of Synodontis Zambezensis. Under proper aquarium conditions and care, pictus catfish can live for about 5 to 8 years on average. Synodontis Nigriventris, also known as the Blotched Upside Down Catfish, is a freshwater fish species found in the Congo River basin in Central Africa. Some of them obviously fall victim to predators long before this. It can even be kept in communities of African mbuna. Universal Pictures. These fish are known for their unique ability to swim upside down! But can they live in harmony with other fish? The answer is yes! With a few tips and tricks, you can create a happy and healthy community tank that includes this fun and fascinating fish. Upside-down catfish have been carved into Egyptian tomb walls dating back 4,000 years. The water should be moderately soft, around 4 to 15 dGH, and with a slightly acidic to neutral pH in the range of 6. I have seen plenty of these catfish live healthy long lives as the only one in the tank. It is important to note that the size of the fish can be influenced by a variety of factors, including. The average Upside Down Catfish lifespan is about 15 years old! That means this species isn’t for the casual aquarist who isn’t looking for a long-term commitment. C. and a 8 inch koi. Increased mucus production. Joined Jan 13, 2022 Messages 674 Reaction score 608 Location Boston. Add sand to your tank to prevent this. These catfish are super interesting and great fish tank additions. Difficulty. More Upside-Down Catfish are known for their unique swimming style and ability to cling to surfaces. This species occurs throughout West Africa from. Life span estimates range between five and 15 years. The Nigrita Catfish is a unique bottom dweller addition to most aquariums! The False Upside-Down Catfish, is an uncommon, medium-sized catfish species that boasts a mottled pattern. An upside-down Gold Inca Snail may have a hard time turning over when coming out of its shell. The expected typical lifespan of these catfish is around 8 – 10 years; however, there have been reports of some fish living up to 25 years. It swims upside down along the surface of the water! It is thought that this species did this in lakes and other environments to better be able to hunt insects above water. Posted by Carly Brooke Dec 3, 2012 Brochiloricaria chauliodon, cuiu cuiu, lists, medusa pleco, mekong giant catfish, punk pleco, ripshaw catfish sea, Synodontis nigriventris, Uncategorized, upside-down catfish weird | 6. Synodontis batensoda (the "upside-down catfish"). com. Learn more! More Upside-down catfish are a fascinating addition to any aquarium! These unique fish swim upside-down and hide on the undersides of leaves. This catfish is also known for its tendency to sometimes swim upside-down as well as its ability to squeak or croak. The upside-down catfish (Synodontis batensoda), for example. Share. As its common name implies, the upside-down catfish will swim upside-down. 0 – 7. The Three Stripe Cory will have a fully. Aquarium Conditions for Upside-Down Catfish. They prefer to spend most of their time in the upside down position. In this article, I’m going to talk about finding the perfect Upside Down Catfish Tank Mates. There are many documented cases of goldfish living a quarter of a century. Upside Down Catfish: Lifespan. If your aquarium is larger than 10 gallons, then the. They prefer a pH range of 6. Scientific Name : Synodontis nigriventris. Upside down Catfish. No, this fish got its name because it spends the majority of its time swimming upside down with its belly pointing towards the surface of the water in your tank. If i was to get a pictus cat, how small is the smallest it can be so my 7" delhezi bichir wont eat it?Upside Down Catfish. However, caring for these fish requires some special attention and knowledge. How big does a synodontis catfish get The estimated life span and age of sexual maturity for upside-down catfish is unverifiable. Discover the beauty of an electric blue jack dempsey! Learn how to set up the perfect aquarium and feed your fish for a healthy, vibrant life. . 114 Litres (30 US G. Upside Down Catfish is a freshwater fish species that requires a minimum tank size of 20 gallons. The average life span for a guppy, apart from that one, was a much more average 18 months. For instance, the upside-down catfish lives up to its name by swimming upside down. The average cost is $6–$30, depending on coloring and features. Ensure water hardness is within the suitable range of 5 to 20 dGH. 5 and moderate water flow. This is so they can conceal from predators as. All fish start small, but some catfish species can outgrow most home aquariums and are much better suited for a large public. Characteristics. You might suppose this catfish is sick, or just confused. ). Any advice would be appreciated Thank you . 6. Fish float sideways or upside down because they lose their buoyancy, which is the ability to float or rise in a fluid. Nov 10, 2023 - 5 min read. Min. May 10, 2023Jun 9, 2021As its common name implies, the upside-down catfish will swim upside-down. They have three pairs of barbels and are protected with an armor of bony plates across the entire body. 8 inches (30 cm) in length, though they usually only obtain 6 – 8” (15-20 cm) in the aquarium. Logistical Solution. 0 – 7. Common Name: Upside Down Catfish: Scientific Name: Synodontis nigriventris: Alternate Names: Species Group: Synos: Care Level: Easy: Average Adult Size: 4. – Inverted swimming. Africa. A lovely example in the exhibition is a cosmetic container from the British Museum, which is displayed next to the gold fish pendant. The Pictus catfish has a characteristic silvery, smooth body with black spots. 7 to 5. Stone catfish lifespan is not more than 5 years Hence, to ensure its longevity over the years, it is essential for fish owners to provide the dwarf catfish with adequate care. Care Level : Easy. Synodontis nigriventris. More Upside-Down Catfish are known for their unique swimming style and ability to cling to surfaces. #2. Water pH levels – Aim for somewhere between 6. Fish have a bad reputation for short lives, but with proper care they can live for at least three to five years. They’re pa. Try tapping the glass to see if you can get the fish to move and swim around. Featherfin catfish is a common name for Synodontis eupterus. The electric catfish in Africa can generate some 450 volts of electricity. Looking for information on Upside-Down Catfish? Well, you've come to the right place! These amazing little creatures have a lifespan of around 5 to 8 years, making them the perfect addition to any aquarium. The upside down catfish can reach an average size of three to four inches. The Upside Down Catfish is sensitive to nitrates so appropriate water conditions are key. Here are 15 freshwater catfish that can be beautiful additions to your aquarium . If you want a massive bottom-dwelling fish and have the space to keep it, the tiger shovelnose catfish is a great choice. This catfish is also known for its tendency to sometimes swim upside-down as well as its ability to squeak or croak when removed from the water. Location. A veritable mascot of Synodontis types, the Upside-Down Catfish swims just like that—upside-down!Synodontis Catfish: Your Guide To Care And Maintenance - Badman's Tropical Fish. The blotched upside down catfish can grow up to 3. They’re not as large as other species of Syndontis, but they certainly demand ample space and a comfortable underwater habitat. Provide a bed of leaves for cryptic species like banjo cats and Pleco caves for breeding cave-dwelling plecos from the Rio Xingu. They grow to be about 4 inches long and are ideal. Synodontis is a freshwater catfish that is most commonly found throughout Africa, occurring mostly in Central and West Africa. I have two upside-down cat fish one bigger than the other who have been co-existing with the other fish for a long time. March 20, 2021 at. The aquarium should be spacious with a soft sandy substrate in order. You can find this soecies at the most popular online fish stores, including: LiveAquaria — sells common, orange, and albino gold bristlenose plecos. The average Upside Down Catfish lifespan is about 15 years old! That means this species isn’t for the casual aquarist who isn’t looking for a long-term commitment. Red Tail Catfish Care. In this article, I’m going to talk about finding the perfect Upside Down Catfish Tank Mates. It feeds on insects and insect larvae found at the bottom of. It will also feed upon algae in the aquarium, and is a good algae controller for a planted community aquarium. The growth rate is fast during the first year, and then it slows down as age. 5 - 2 inches and the other is about 3/4 of an inch. Tank Size . The Bristlenose Pleco is another type of catfish that can live with koi. isoft/Getty Images. Add 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt for every 1 gallon of water. The Upside Down Catfish is a unique and interesting freshwater fish that has a reputation for being both low-maintenance and enjoyable to watch. Approximate Purchase Size: 1/4" to 1-1/2". Therefore, the older the catfish, the larger it is. It will eat also smaller fish and may bother slow-moving tankmates. This unique Synodontis swims upside down in order to feed on prey at the surface of the water. Decors such as driftwood, sticks/branches, rocks and plastic plants. Omnivore Pellet Foods Flake Foods Live Foods Life Span. Water hardness should be anywhere from 5 to 20 DH. COMMON NAMES: Upside-down catfish, blotched upside-down catfish. Find Big discount for Fish and Aquatic products here Discovered in the warm freshwater rivers and streams of South America, Pictus catfish are native to Brazil, Venezuela, and Columbia. Blotched Upside Down Catfish. I have these ceramic pot type decorations that the upside down catfish stay in during the day. Distribution Synodontis petricola. g. Silver Dollar Habitat and Care . IntroductionThe teleost Synodontis nigriventris is an African catfish in a genus with several species that have been noted for their peculiar postural control (Meyer et al. The pair have always been together. These Catfish are a. Some of these species are Synodontis contractus and Synodontis nigriventris. Lifespan. In the wild, it often grazes on the undersides of submerged branches and logs, and swimming upside-down makes these areas more accessible. Other native fishes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are the Boyoma Falls Upside Down Catfish, the Ruwenzori Lampeye, the Line-Spotted Ufipa. . The Synodontis Angelicus Catfish (Synodontis angelicus) is a species of upside-down catfish that tropical fish keeping enthusiasts also refer to as the Angel Catfish, Angelicus Cat, Black Clown Catfish, Polka-dot African catfish or Angel Squeaker. Upside-Down Catfish are known for their unique swimming style and ability to cling to surfaces. With proper care, banjo catfish have the ability to live for up ten years. Pictus catfish Lifespan. But how long do they live for? These cheerful fish can live up to 10 years in the right conditions, making them a great addition to any aquarium. 8. nigriventris are juveniles measuring about 1 to 1. For a featherfin squeaker kept in an aquarium, the ideal temperature range is 71-78 F (22-26 C) and the ideal pH is between 6. Some love this for the cover it provides, while others depend on it for sustenance from the algae that naturally grows on it. Further, this upside-down swimming posture makes surface feeding easier for the fish. nigriventris, at 21 years of age. The recommended tank size for Pictus catfish is 55 to 70 gallons for 5-6 individuals, more if kept in community tanks. Lifespan: 7-15 years: Water pH: 6 to 7. Lifespan : several years. Water pH levels – Aim for somewhere between 6. With their unique swimming style and playful personalities, Upside-Down Catfish are sure to bring a smile to your face for years to. Moderate. This is a solid amount of time that really lets you enjoy and bond with these fish. For example, the common goldfish, one of the. Dive into the fascinating world of Upside Down Catfish care with our comprehensive guide for beginners. The upside down catfish lifespan is fairly long, averaging around 15 years in captivity. Size to 60 cm (24 inches). Their unusual behavior have been fascinating humans for centuries. The Upside Down Catfish, also known as the Blotched Upside Down Catfish, is a unique and popular species native to the rivers of Central Africa. No, this fish got its name because it spends the majority of its time swimming upside down with its belly pointing towards the surface of the water in your tank. The upside-down catfish is perhaps the most peculiar fish on this catfish species list. Well, I recently got a large upside down catfish from a pet store to add to my 75 Gallon tank with my yellow Bullhead. The Mekong Giant Catfish Pangasianodon gigas from Southeast Asia can reach up to 10. The body is short and a bit flattened from sides. The inverted catfish for example was imbued with symbolic significance. They rank second or third among all the vertebrates in terms of their diversity and interestingly, one in every twenty vertebrates and also one in every ten species of fish is a catfish. Zebra cichlid ( Metriaclima callainos ): 10+ years. Broad-leaved plants such as Anubias or Echinodorus and floating vegetation are also recommended as the fish like to roost under these. This catfish is usually around 3 to 4 inches long and can be brown, black, or yellow. A wild blue catfish has an average lifespan of 20 to 30 years, while a wild channel catfish has an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Mereruka was a vizier to the Pharaoh Teti (2323 BC). Many fish—especially popular varieties for aquariums—also have any number of nicknames. If given the right conditions, they can live for a long time. They have the common barbels, used for tasting food deep in the substrate, and sharp spines on their pectoral and dorsal fin. They commonly have a lifespan of 8 to 10 years, but there are reports of them living up to 25 years. Hi, you do not say which type of upside down catfish you've got. AFS carries a few others, such as electric catfish and glass catfish found in other sections. These catfish get to be about 3 or 4 inches in size, have beautiful spotted bodies, and can be added to tanks of at least 30 gallons or larger without much headache or hassle. The otocinclus catfish is a freshwater fish of the catfish family. The average Upside Down Catfish lifespan is 5 years or more. The secret behind the Upside-Down Catfish’s popularity is its peculiar ability to swim upside down near the water’s surface.