Asian Bumblebee Catfish

Looks how to spot one

Scaleless catfish body with barbels and a tall, rounded adipose fin

A chunky little bottom-dwelling catfish marked with irregular upright bands of pale yellow over a darker grey or brown base, which gives it its bumblebee look. The adipose fin on the back is high and rounded.12

Personality what they are like

A shy, night-active catfish that spends the day tucked into a hiding place and comes out after lights off. It likes its own patch of floor and can be territorial toward other bottom-dwellers.2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Most active at night, cruising the bottom in search of food; daytime is spent resting in cover.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Offer several caves or pipes so it can hide, feed in the evening, and choose tankmates too big to fit in its mouth. Females tend to look stockier, while males show brighter pale markings.2

Home where they are happiest

At least a 120 x 30 cm footprint (around 108 litres) for one fish, larger for a group. Water 20-26 C, pH about 5.8-8.0, hardness roughly 4-25 dH. Provide caves, roots and a soft bottom.21

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A meat eater. In the wild it takes aquatic insect larvae such as dragonfly nymphs; at home it does well on sinking pellets plus prawn, mussel and earthworm pieces.12

Company who they like around

Often kept singly; it suits mid-water companions such as larger barbs and calm cichlids rather than other territorial bottom-dwellers.2

The story where it all began

Described by Regan in 1913, this bagrid catfish was long filed under Leiocassis, a name still common in hobby literature. In its home rivers it is also fished and sold fresh at local markets, and it reaches the aquarium trade from Southeast Asia.21

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List

Least Concern (assessed 9 March 2011)1

Taxonomy

Described by Regan in 1913; formerly placed in the genus Leiocassis2

Family

Bagridae (bagrid catfishes)1