Asian bumblebee catfish - Pseudomystus siamensis

Scientific name: Pseudomystus siamensis

Common name: Asian bumblebee catfish

Family: Bagridae

Usual size in fish tanks: 13 - 15 cm (5.12 - 5.91 inch)

014

Recommended pH range for the species: 6.6 - 7.2

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 21°N (71.43 - 375ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 20 - 27 °C (68 - 80.6°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South Asia

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive to smaller

Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

Food and feeding

This species of catfish is classed as a carnivore but in time it will accept commercial catfish pellets or wafers. When they are first added to the tank it is best to feed them in the evening but in time they will come out for food in they daylight hours. They are known to eat small fish in the night hours.

Origin

South Asia; Asian bumblebee catfish are mostly found in the Bangpakong River, Thailand.

Sexing

Females will have a stockier body shape; all males will have slender bodies.

Breeding

As of yet there are no reported cases of Asian bumblebee catfish breeding in the aquarium.

Lifespan

The expected life span for this fish is 4-6 years.

Short description

It is very important to provide dark hiding places for these fish. Lengths of black pvc piping are ideal as these fish love to hide away. Pseudomystus siamensis will become territorial to each other if kept in a small tank, providing a larger tank will allow you to keep a small group. If croaking noises are heard in the night, this is the first sign of disputes between them.

Pictures

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.