What type of fish is this? I think it might be a catfish.?

Question

It's marbled black and white. It has clear fins with black spots on them. It has 2 barbels and 4 little feathery things that it uses to sweep the rocks with. It's about 1.5 in. It was sold to us by a Walmart employee as an upside down catfish. We have an upside down catfish, and it isn't that.

The feathery things are coming out of it's mouth area.

It looks nothing like an African Butterfly fish, thanks for trying though.

It's not a channel catfish either. It has a very high dorsal fin, 2 anal fins, one fin underneath his tail, and 6 total barbels, 4 of the barbels are feathery.

I just looked closer and it's actually marbled black and tan. It's very active. It will skim the surface upside down, but it's not an upside down catfish.

Answer 1

Well, I did a lot of research on what this could be and, based on your description, it really does sound like the species of an upside down catfish, which is genus synodontis. There are several species of synodontis, so even though it may not look like one, check the others, because one of them might be it. There are also several species of cory catfish, and it could be one of those as well. The last link will take you to a list of all sorts of freshwater fish and if you click on the name, it will give you a picture and a brief description of the fish.

Answer 2

Does this catfish have 7 total fins, 4 small whiskers on the bottom of the mouth and 2 long ones? Is it gray on the top with black spots and white on the bottom?

If so, you have a channel catfish. I would either return it or put it in a >1000 gallon pond ASAP. I have had one for 2 years and mine is 13" long and expected to reach 48" by full maturity.

http://www.huntingandfishingjournal.org/images/big_pic_channel_catfish.jpg

Answer 3

Sounds like a Cory Cat. It's a tiny catfish that enjoys the company of 2 or 3 friends (other Cory Cats).

Answer 4

Its an african butterfly fish. They're mistaken for upside down catfish by wallmart employees.

Answer 5

Its definately a Synodontis type your describing. You say its not UDC(Synodontis Nigriventis)? Then it must be a Synodontis Nigrita(Lace cat), or Synodontis Eupterus(Featherfin cat). Only types I have ever seen at Walmart. However Synodontis Longerosis is becoming more available(these get BIG). Remember not all Synos(same type) look alike as juvs, as some change their color pattern as they age. I'd put my money on it being Eupterus, and they change their color drastically from juv to adult.Try to ID both your cats correctly at Planetcatfish. I love my Synos.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

it could be a pleco.... i had one that was upside down on the surface of the water... it was pretty interesting.

Answer 8

not even close. THAT is a catfish. though they are usually smaller when sold in pet stores... just a bit. :P

Answer 9

Look at the plecos on liveaquaria.com

Answer 10

Can you post a pic? Sounds cool!