Upside Down Catfish, Zebra/Kutu Upside Catfish Wetspot

[Cardeater]

I'm considering getting a group of upside down catfish. I had one years ago. This time I'd get a group of them now that I know better.

I was looking at Wetspot and it seems they Have two kinds, same species, with the "Kutu" "Zebra Upside Down Catfish" listing costing more, even though the are also smaller.

What the difference? I tried searching but my searched just showed pics of the regular versions.

http://www.wetspottropicalfish.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2&Itemid=116

Synodontis nigriventris "Upside-Down Cat" Medium (1.5"+ to 2") WILD $6.00

Synodontis nigriventris "Zebra Upside-Down Cat" "Kutu" Small (1"+ to 1.5") WILD $10.00 Now 4 for $32.00

Also, would I be right that I could just buy both kinds and they'd feel secure together as a group since they are the same species? Maybe I'd get the 4 pack of Kutu and two regular mediums.

Thanks for any input.

 

[thebiggerthebetter]

I've no clue what exactly "Kutu" means (you should ask WetSpot) but I am guessing the location of the collection. Zebra USD catfish or USD synodontis catfish or just USD catfish - these I have met used interchangeably to indicate the same species S. nigriventris.

I guess for those who are into these fish, a different location is meaningful. Or this particular one is. Just like WetSpot identifies giraffe catfish Auchenoglanis cf. occidentalis - "Volta", "Congo", and "Niger" by the names of the rivers.

If you get no clarity here or from WetSpot, you could give Planet Catfish a try.

I'd imagine that geographical location should have no bearing on their intra-species relationships as that should be defined by DNA.

 

[tlindsey]

I've no clue what exactly "Kutu" means (you should ask WetSpot) but I am guessing the location of the collection. Zebra USD catfish or USD synodontis catfish or just USD catfish - these I have met used interchangeably to indicate the same species S. nigriventris.

I guess for those who are into these fish, a different location is meaningful. Or this particular one is. Just like WetSpot identifies giraffe catfish Auchenoglanis cf. occidentalis - "Volta", "Congo", and "Niger" by the names of the rivers.

If you get no clarity here or from WetSpot, you could give Planet Catfish a try.

I'd imagine that geographical location should have no bearing on their intra-species relationships as that should be defined by DNA.

If I was a betting man I would say Kutu was the location point as stated by thebiggerthebetter . Also agree call the Wetspot for assurance.

 

[Cardeater]

I'll contact them tomorrow. I looked at planet catfish and in the images, there were pics of "Zebra Kutu" variant. These were pics linked from aquaticrepublic.com via planet catfish .There wasn't a text explanation but here is a screenshot of the two on split screen on my phone.

The location difference makes sense. It didn't even occur to me when I posted, but it makes sense. I follow rainbowfish and there are a bunch that are the same species but vary in color due to their collection point.

Zebra Kutu is on top .I thought it could have just been that pic, but looking at other pics , it appears the Zebra Kutu may be a little darker.

Thank you for the replies.

 

[tlindsey]

I'll contact them tomorrow. I looked at planet catfish and in the images, there were pics of "Zebra Kutu" variant. These were pics linked from aquaticrepublic.com via planet catfish .There wasn't a text explanation but here is a screenshot of the two on split screen on my phone.

The location difference makes sense. It didn't even occur to me when I posted, but it makes sense. I follow rainbowfish and there are a bunch that are the same species but vary in color due to their collection point.

Zebra Kutu is on top .I thought it could have just been that pic, but looking at other pics , it appears the Zebra Kutu may be a little darker.

Thank you for the replies.

View attachment 1345046

I looked them up myself on the fish list and they both are wc. Also looked up Kutu Africa and it exists.

 

[twentyleagues]

Its like catch locations for lj polys. I don't see a difference but some say there are color and pattern differences. So yea unless you want them smaller I'd say save the $ for shipping and get the regulars.

 

[thebiggerthebetter]

Oh, yeah. Thank you Cardeater for that info. The memory of the Zebra Kutu variant has been jolted and came up bubbling to the surface.

It looks like this geographical variant has more or finer stripes. To make a conclusion, one must be assured to be looking at adults of both sexes if there are known gender differences (or at least one sex) in a stress-free environment.

Yeah, it's simply the rarity. Kutus are more rare, hence, higher price. Perhaps they are more appealing to some lovers of lil' synos.

 

[Cardeater]

I received a detailed response from Wetspot. I was impressed with their response. I'd probably just get both kinds so I can see if I can tell the difference. I was gonna order this week but it'll probably have to wait until I QT an Imperial Tropicals order as they have a big Thanksgiving and Black Friday sale including several fish I'm interested in.

Here's their response. They also included some links which I didn't copy over. Again, great customer service considering I just added a question and haven't begun an order:

Good question! They are very similar in appearance, but they’re still believed to be the same species. Jury is still out based on current information. It is found in the Congo, but the “Zebra” form is found only near the town of Kutu. From what we’ve noticed the more common one has more blotched or mottled patterns, whereas the Kutu seems to have more solid banding. The banding does seem to give it the appearance of being a lighter colored fish. The difference is really only noticeable side by side, so if you’re into something that’s harder to come by the Kutu are the way to go. If you just like the fact that they hang upside down and have goofy personalities, the regular one will save you a little dough.



I tried to find photos of these, but as you’ve probably noticed they’re difficult to come by. Found a few articles as well.