Bumblebee Catfish

Microglanis iheringi is a member of the Pseudopimelodidae and hails from rivers of Venezuela and Colombia. Its bold bumblebee pattern of alternating yellow and dark brown to black bands is among the most striking of any small catfish, and its compact, chubby body form adds considerable charm.

In the aquarium, the Bumblebee Catfish is a peaceful, retiring fish by day, tucking itself into caves and crevices. After dark it becomes active and will confidently patrol the tank in search of food, readily accepting most sinking foods. It will eat very small fish such as fry but is safe with anything larger than a few centimetres.

This species is very popular in the hobby and is regularly available at accessible prices. It is an excellent choice for medium-sized community tanks where it adds interest at the substrate level without threatening other inhabitants.

Water: 22–26°C, pH 6.0–7.5, soft to moderately hard; clean stable conditions. Tank: Minimum 80L; caves and overhangs essential; PVC tubes or coconut halves work well. Feeding: Carnivore; sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm, Tubifex, brine shrimp; feeds after lights-out. Breeding: Cave spawner; occasional captive breeding in well-conditioned pairs. Compatibility: Peaceful with medium-sized fish; may eat very small fry or nano fish.