Giant Bumblebee Catfish

Care requirements

Care level: Advanced.

Lifespan: 8–12 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 400 L or larger / ≥ 150 cm (≥ 59.1 in) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 24–28 °C, pH 5.8–7.2, GH 2–15 dGH, KH 0–8 dKH.

Temperament and compatibility

Giant Bumblebee Catfish needs careful companion choice because it can be territorial or semi-aggressive.

Plant safe

Yes

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the bottom area, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

Use foods that suit a meatier diet and avoid combining it with fish small enough to be treated as food.

Make sure food reaches the substrate before faster fish take it.

Feed sinking carnivore pellets, earthworms, prawns, mussels and other meaty foods. Avoid overfeeding and do not use live feeder fish.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Northeastern South America.

Natural habitat: Demersal river habitats from the Lake Maracaibo region to eastern Brazil. The fish hides among substrate, wood, rock and leaf litter before ambushing prey.

Breeding notes

Breeding difficulty: Not documented in home aquariums.

Adults reach about 24.5 cm standard length and may approach 30 cm in total length. The taxonomic limits and distribution of Pseudopimelodus bufonius may change as regional populations are revised.

Before adding this fish

• Plan for an aquarium of 400 L or larger / ≥ 150 cm (≥ 59.1 in) minimum length.
• Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
• Offer a varied diet that matches this species.