Our Guide To Keeping South American Bumblebee Catfish

1. About Fish Species:

   • Scientific name: Microglanis iheringi
   • Common name: South American Bumblebee Catfish
   • Family: Pseudopimelodidae
   • Origin: South America, including river systems and tributaries in Venezuela, Colombia, and surrounding regions
   • Adult length: 7 to 9 cm
   • Lifespan: 5 to 8 years
   • Diet: Carnivore
   • Care Level: Easy to Moderate
   • Temperament: Peaceful but predatory towards very small fish and fry

2. Tank Setup:

   • South American Bumblebee Catfish are shy, nocturnal bottom-dwellers that need a mature aquarium with plenty of secure hiding places. A minimum tank size of 75L is recommended for a single fish or small group.
   • Provide a soft sand substrate, driftwood, rocky caves, smooth stones, and dense planting to create shaded areas where the fish can rest during the day.
   • They appreciate a dimly lit aquarium with plenty of cover, as they are most active after the lights go out.
   • Make sure caves and hiding places are large enough for the fish to enter and turn around comfortably, but snug enough to help them feel secure.

3. Water Parameters:

   • South American Bumblebee Catfish prefer slightly acidic to neutral water conditions with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.
   • Keep the water temperature between 22 to 26°C (72 to 79°F).
   • They are relatively adaptable but do best in clean, stable water with regular maintenance and good oxygen levels.

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • A gentle to moderate water flow is suitable for South American Bumblebee Catfish, as they enjoy well-filtered water without being exposed to strong currents across the bottom of the tank.
   • Use a reliable filter and carry out regular water changes to maintain excellent water quality, as this species can be sensitive to poor conditions over time.
   • Position decor to create both sheltered resting areas and open spaces for the fish to explore at night.

5. Diet:

   • South American Bumblebee Catfish are carnivores and should be offered a varied diet of sinking foods. Good staple options include sinking carnivore pellets, catfish tablets, and insect-based granules.
   • Supplement their diet with frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, tubifex, chopped earthworms, and mosquito larvae.
   • As they are mostly nocturnal, feed them shortly before or just after the aquarium lights go out to make sure they receive enough food.
   • They may eat very small fish, fry, or tiny shrimp, so avoid keeping them with tank mates small enough to fit in their mouth.

6. Tank mates:

   • South American Bumblebee Catfish are generally peaceful with fish too large to be eaten and can work well in calm community aquariums.
   • Suitable tank mates include medium-sized tetras, peaceful barbs, rainbowfish, Corydoras, Bristlenose Plecos, larger rasboras, dwarf cichlids, and other peaceful bottom-dwelling species.
   • Avoid keeping them with tiny nano fish, very small shrimp, fry, or aggressive fish that may harass them while they are hiding.
   • They can usually be kept singly or in small groups, provided there are enough caves and hiding places for each fish.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • South American Bumblebee Catfish are secretive and mostly nocturnal, often spending much of the day hidden among wood, plants, or rockwork.
   • They become more active in the evening and may patrol the bottom of the aquarium looking for food after dark.
   • Although peaceful, they are opportunistic predators and should not be trusted with very small fish or newly born fry.
   • They are best suited to a peaceful, well-structured aquarium where they can hide during the day and feed without competition at night.