Species profile
Asian Upside-Down Catfish
Mystus leucophasis
Aggressive
Hard care
450 L minimum aquarium
20–30 cm adult size
Bottom
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Large aggressive Asian upside-down catfish. Legacy 15–20 cm / 250 L values materially underestimated adult size and space requirements.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
23–27 °C
pH
6–7.8
GH
Up to 20 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Bottom
Territory level
High
Predation risk
Small fish
Bioload factor
4
Nocturnal/crepuscular territorial catfish that commonly swims inverted. Adults should be kept singly unless very large quarters allow separation; small fish are prey.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
450 L
Minimum footprint
150 × 50 cm
Accepted scientific name
Mystus leucophasis
Alternative names
Asian Upside-Down Catfish, Black Upside-down Catfish, Bagrus leucophasis, Macrones leucophasis
Native range
Myanmar, including the Irrawaddy/Ayeyarwady and Sittaung river systems.
Natural habitat
Large dimly lit river-style aquarium with soft substrate, substantial caves/wood cover, open floor and robust filtration. Include both moderate-flow and quieter resting areas.
Diet & feeding
Opportunistic omnivore/predator. Feed quality sinking catfish foods and varied frozen invertebrates with some vegetable matter; smaller tankmates will be eaten.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males have an elongated genital papilla anterior to the anal fin; mature females are fuller-bodied.
Breeding
No reliable routine home-aquarium breeding method is established in the cited specialist source; the species is commercially farmed but should not be tagged as a cave breeder.