Asian Bumblebee Catfish

Pseudomystus siamensis

Asian Bumblebee Catfish is a peaceful bottom-dwelling fish. Best kept as a solitary specimen.

PeacefulBottom dwellerBest kept as a solitary specimenBeginner – Intermediate

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Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm)
Aquarium size: 29 US gal (108 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom dweller
Temperature: 68–79°F (20–26°C)
pH: 5.8–7.8
GH: 4–25 dGH
KH: 2–10 dKH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 8 years
Group behavior: Best kept as a solitary specimen

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 8 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 29 US gal (108 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 20–26 °C, pH 5.8–7.8, GH 4–25 dGH, KH 2–10 dKH.

Temperament and compatibility

Asian Bumblebee Catfish is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

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

Feeding

As an omnivore, Asian Bumblebee Catfish should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Feed small meaty sinking items after lights out, monitor that food reaches the shelter.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 29 US gal (108 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Best kept as a solitary specimen.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam.

Important notes

Bumblebee Catfish is an ambiguous trade label shared by other taxa.
Avoid very small fish and competing bottom-dwelling species.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Banjo Catfish Bunocephalus coracoideus Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm) 68–81°F (20–27°C) Asian Upside Down Catfish Mystus leucophasis Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 11.8" (≤ 30 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) African Freshwater Pipefish Enneacampus ansorgii Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C) Adolfos Catfish Hoplisoma adolfoi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) African Butterfly Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) Agassizs Corydoras Brochis agassizii Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C)

FAQ

How large does Asian Bumblebee Catfish get?

Asian Bumblebee Catfish reaches ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm).

What aquarium size does Asian Bumblebee Catfish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 29 US gal (108 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.

Is Asian Bumblebee Catfish peaceful?

Yes. Asian Bumblebee Catfish is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Asian Bumblebee Catfish?

Keep it between 20 to 26 °C.

Should Asian Bumblebee Catfish be kept alone or in a group?

Asian Bumblebee Catfish: Best kept as a solitary specimen.