Malayan Bumblebee Catfish

Leiocassis poeciloptera

Malayan Bumblebee Catfish is a bottom-dwelling fish.

Predatory toward small fish; fin nipping possible.Bottom dwellerBeginner – Intermediate

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Need help with Malayan Bumblebee Catfish?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 6.7" (≤ 17 cm)
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Predatory toward small fish; fin nipping possible.
Swimming zone: Bottom dweller
Temperature: 68–77°F (20–25°C)
pH: 6–7.2
GH: 5–20 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 10 years

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 10 years.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 20–25 °C, pH 6–7.2, GH 5–20 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Temperament: Predatory toward small fish; fin nipping possible..

Swimming zone and behavior

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

Feeding

Feed suitable varied foods after lights dim and provide secure refuges. Small fish can be eaten, and even larger fish may have fins nipped.

How to feed aquarium fish — General freshwater community guidance

Before adding this fish

Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Indonesia, Thailand.

Similar fish profiles

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

Asian Bumblebee Catfish Pseudomystus siamensis Same family Similar care level Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) Asian Upside Down Catfish Mystus leucophasis Same family Similar care level Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 11.8" (≤ 30 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) Adolfos Catfish Hoplisoma adolfoi Similar care level Bottom dweller Similar diet Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 75–79°F (24–26°C) African Butterfly Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi Similar care level Bottom dweller Similar diet Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) African Glass Catfish Pareutropius debauwi Similar care level Bottom dweller Similar diet Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) Agassizs Corydoras Brochis agassizii Similar care level Bottom dweller Similar diet Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C)

FAQ

How large does Malayan Bumblebee Catfish get?

Malayan Bumblebee Catfish reaches ≤ 6.7" (≤ 17 cm).

Is Malayan Bumblebee Catfish peaceful?

Malayan Bumblebee Catfish has a predatory toward small fish; fin nipping possible. temperament, so companion choice should match both behavior and swimming space.

What temperature is suitable for Malayan Bumblebee Catfish?

Keep it between 20 to 25 °C.