Dwarf Bumblebee Catfish (Pseudomystus leiacanthus)
| Dwarf Bumblebee Catfish Pseudomystus leiacanthus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Dwarf Bumblebee Catfish |
| Name Lat. | Pseudomystus leiacanthus |
| Family | Bagrid Catfishes |
| Family lat. | Bagridae |
| Order | Catfishes |
| Order lat. | Siluriformes |
| Origin | Sumatra, Borneo |
| Habitat | Forest streams, ponds |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 5.0-6.5 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Egg scatterer |
| Breeding | None reported |
| Life Span | N/A |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 6 cm |
| Temperature | 22-27 °C |
| Hardness | < 8 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 150 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 2.4" |
| Temperature | 72-81 °F |
| Hardness | < 142 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 40 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution range of the nocturnal bumblebee catfish extends from the Malay Peninsula to Sumatra (Indonesia) and Borneo. They live in shady forest streams, ponds and marshes with muddy bottoms and dense underwater vegetation, where they usually stay hidden in caves, under roots, stones and branches during the day.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have dense planting, with plenty of hiding places, such as stones (e.g. perforated rocks), catfish tubes and roots, and provide adequate swimming space. A dark sandy substrate covered with some foliage (sea almond tree, oak), subdued light (floating plant cover) and soft, slightly acidic water with a weak current is ideal.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, and the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
In the wild they feed mainly on small crustaceans and insect larvae. The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. For a balanced diet, feed once a day with a high-quality sinking dry food for catfish (flakes, granules, pellets) as well as cyclops, daphnia, mosquito larvae, artemia and tubifex (live or frozen)
Only feed as much as will be eaten overnight. Regular and varied feeding promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms.
Behaviour and compatibility
They are peaceful and sociable fish that should be kept together in a group of at least 5. They can be socialized very well with other peaceful and not too big fish
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water conditions and water temperature should be socialized
Sex dimorphism
The sexes are difficult to distinguish. The females ready to spawn appear rounder. With some experience, the sexes can be distinguished by their genital papilla, which is longer in the male.
Reproduction and breeding
There are no known reports of successful breeding in the aquarium
Important
During the day they usually stay hidden under roots, rocks and foliage, but sometimes come out of hiding during the day in darkened aquariums
They live in waters with particularly soft water rich in humic substances. The foliage (sea almond tree, oak, etc.) enriches the water with humic substances and naturally lowers the pH.
When catching them, use as fine-meshed nets as possible so that the hard rays of the pectoral fins do not get caught, which can cause painful injuries when touched.
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even when contaminant levels have not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Werner Winter; Image: Franz Lowak
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF