This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The bumblebee catfish is a small, nocturnal South American catfish with a striking black and yellow banded pattern that makes it one of the most easily identified species in the hobby. What surprises new keepers is how rarely they see it. Bumblebee catfish spend most of the day wedged into narrow crevices, under rocks, or behind driftwood, emerging confidently only after the lights go out. They are not shy or stressed; they are simply nocturnal. Feed them after dark, give them caves and hiding places, and bumblebee catfish prove to be hardy, long-lived, and interesting tank residents that reveal themselves on their own schedule.
Setting up a bumblebee catfish tank? Jump to Equipment Recommendations for our top filter picks for catfish community tanks.
🐠 Free: Beginner Aquarium Setup Checklist
Enter your email and we'll send you the exact checklist for setting up a thriving first tank.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts
| Common name | Bumblebee catfish, South American bumblebee catfish |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Microglanis iheringi |
| Origin | South America (Colombia, Venezuela; fast-moving rocky rivers) |
| Adult size | 3–4 inches (7.5–10 cm) |
| Minimum tank size | 20 gallons |
| Temperature | 70–79°F (21–26°C) |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 |
| Hardness (GH) | 6–15 dGH |
| Lifespan | 4–5 years |
| Temperament | Peaceful; may eat very small fish that fit in the mouth |
| Diet | Omnivore with carnivore preference; sinking pellets, worms, frozen protein |
| Care level | Beginner-friendly |
A Note on the “Bumblebee Catfish” Name
Two unrelated catfish species share the “bumblebee catfish” name in the hobby, and they are sometimes sold interchangeably in fish stores. The South American bumblebee catfish (Microglanis iheringi) covered here stays small at 3–4 inches and comes from Colombia and Venezuela. The Asian bumblebee catfish (Pseudomystus siamensis) is a larger species reaching 6–7 inches from Thailand. Both have black and yellow banding but require different tank sizes. Confirm which species you are buying before choosing your tank size. The care below applies to the South American species.
Appearance
Bumblebee catfish have a chunky, slightly flattened body with a broad, rounded head and a wide mouth surrounded by four pairs of barbels. The colouration is a series of alternating dark brown to black and pale yellow bands running from nose to tail, producing the bumblebee effect. The dorsal fin carries a stiff spine as a defensive structure. The belly is pale and unmarked. Pattern intensity varies between individuals; some fish show crisp, high-contrast banding while others have slightly muted or irregular patterns depending on origin and stress levels.
Sexing bumblebee catfish visually is not reliably possible in most cases. Mature females may appear slightly rounder in the abdominal area when viewed from above, but this difference is subtle and inconsistent. For most hobbyists, sex determination is not practical without keeping a small group and observing breeding behaviour directly.
Water Parameters
| Parameter | Acceptable range | Optimal |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 68–82°F (20–28°C) | 72–77°F (22–25°C) |
| pH | 6.0–7.8 | 6.5–7.2 |
| Hardness (GH) | 5–18 dGH | 6–12 dGH |
| Ammonia / Nitrite | 0 ppm | 0 ppm |
| Nitrate | <30 ppm | <15 ppm |
Bumblebee catfish come from fast-moving, well-oxygenated rocky rivers in South America. This background makes them more oxygen-sensitive than many aquarium fish and somewhat sensitive to the stagnant, low-oxygen conditions that can develop in poorly maintained tanks. Good water turnover (5–7 times the tank volume per hour through the filter) and regular water changes are the foundation of bumblebee catfish care. Most neutral tap water in the US and UK sits comfortably within their parameter range without adjustment.
The parameter that causes the most problems is nitrate accumulation from irregular water changes. In a well-stocked community tank without weekly maintenance, nitrates can climb above 40 ppm, which causes immune suppression and makes catfish vulnerable to bacterial infections. Perform 25–30% water changes weekly, and target the substrate with a gravel vacuum during water changes since catfish spend most of their time at the bottom where detritus accumulates.
Tank Size and Setup
A 20-gallon tank is appropriate for a single bumblebee catfish or a small group of two to three in a community setup. These are not large fish, but they need specific décor: multiple narrow caves and hiding spots are not optional. A bumblebee catfish that cannot find a secure retreat will be chronically stressed, even if water parameters are perfect. Dense hiding opportunities are the most important aspect of their setup.
- Caves and crevices: Terracotta pots on their side, PVC pipes cut to 4–5 inch lengths, smooth flat rocks stacked to create narrow gaps, or commercial aquarium caves. Provide at least one cave per catfish, plus a spare.
- Substrate: Fine sand or smooth small gravel. Bumblebee catfish rest on the substrate and have soft belly skin; rough substrate can cause abrasion over time.
- Flow: Moderate to moderately high. These fish come from fast-moving rivers and prefer good oxygenation. A canister filter or a hang-on-back filter pointed to create some surface agitation suits them well.
- Lighting: Dim or with shaded areas. Bright, unbroken lighting over the whole tank discourages activity during periods when you might otherwise see them. Dark areas created by driftwood and rocks allow partial daytime visibility.
- Driftwood: Brazilian ironwood, spider wood, or similar pieces create complex structures for hiding while also leaching tannins that soften the water slightly, replicating the natural river environment.
Tank Mates
Bumblebee catfish are peaceful bottom dwellers that ignore most tank mates. The one caveat is mouth size: like all catfish, they will consume fish or invertebrates small enough to swallow. In a community with neon tetras or small shrimp, there is a risk of the catfish hunting them at night when the lights are out and the catfish is active. With appropriately sized tank mates, there are no issues.
Avoid: Very small fish (nano species under 1 inch), small shrimp (cherry shrimp, crystal shrimp), and aggressive cichlids that will harass a catfish resting in its cave during the day.
Good tank mates:
- Medium tetras: Black skirt tetras, penguin tetras, serpae tetras (all 2 inches or larger)
- Larger rasboras: Harlequin rasboras, scissortail rasboras
- Corydoras: Share the bottom tier; peaceful coexistence is typical as long as enough caves exist for all bottom dwellers
- Peaceful cichlids: Bolivian rams, keyhole cichlids, or other dwarf cichlids that do not dig aggressively
- Larger plecos: Bristlenose pleco, clown pleco (different feeding niches, compatible temperament)
Feeding
Bumblebee catfish are nocturnal hunters in the wild, feeding on insect larvae, small invertebrates, and organic matter that settles into the rocky riverbed. In captivity, their nocturnal preference means they will often miss food dropped during the day when other fish are competing for it. Evening or after-lights-out feeding produces the best results.
- Base diet: High-protein sinking pellets or catfish wafers, dropped near their cave in the evening, 5–6 days per week
- Protein rotation: Frozen bloodworms, small earthworm pieces, or frozen brine shrimp, 3–4 times per week
- Live food: Blackworms or small earthworm pieces dropped near the cave entrance trigger the most active feeding behaviour and are excellent for conditioning
Drop sinking pellets directly in front of or inside the cave entrance in the evening. Bumblebee catfish will emerge to eat once the tank settles after feeding time. Feeding with a feeding tube or tongs directed at the cave entrance guarantees the catfish gets food before surface feeders consume it. Remove uneaten food after 30 minutes to prevent overnight decomposition. Overfeeding leads to fouled substrate exactly where the catfish spends most of its time.
Breeding
Bumblebee catfish are cave spawners. Reports of captive breeding are uncommon but not rare. Males guard the cave after spawning, fanning the eggs with their fins. Breeding is most likely in a species-dedicated tank or a lightly stocked community where the catfish are well-conditioned and have secure spawning caves with small entrance holes.
- Conditioning: Feed varied, protein-rich foods for 4–6 weeks; ensure each catfish has a private cave
- Setup: Provide small-entrance caves (PVC pipe or coconut shell) that only the catfish can enter; reduce lighting; perform a 20% water change with slightly cooler water
- After spawning: Do not disturb the male; eggs hatch in 3–5 days; the male may guard fry for several days after hatching
- Fry first foods: Newly hatched brine shrimp, micro worms; fry are larger than many catfish fry and can accept small food items quickly
Common Problems
- “My catfish has disappeared”: Bumblebee catfish wedge themselves into very tight spaces and are expert at hiding behind filters, under substrate edges, and inside décor. Before assuming the worst, do a thorough inspection of every hiding spot in the tank including behind equipment.
- Not eating: Daytime feeding is almost always wasted in a bumblebee catfish tank. Switch to evening feeding, drop food near the cave entrance, and wait a few minutes after the main lights go out. Healthy catfish that seem to never eat are usually eating at night without being observed.
- Ich: White spots on fins and body. Bumblebee catfish are scaleless and more sensitive to some medications than scaled fish. Use a half-dose of copper-based ich treatment or a formalin-based alternative. Raise temperature to 80°F gradually over 48 hours.
- Fin rot: Ragged, discoloured fin edges from bacterial infection. Usually caused by poor water quality or injury from tank mates. Improve water quality first, then treat with a gentle antibiotic if the condition does not resolve within one week.
- Aggression from bottom tank mates: In tanks with insufficient caves, bumblebee catfish and corydoras or other bottom dwellers compete for limited shelter space, causing stress. Add more caves to resolve territorial disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big do bumblebee catfish get?
The South American bumblebee catfish (Microglanis iheringi) reaches 3–4 inches (7.5–10 cm) at adult size. The Asian bumblebee catfish (Pseudomystus siamensis) grows significantly larger at 6–7 inches. Confirm which species you have or are purchasing, as the size difference has real implications for minimum tank size and tank mate selection.
Why is my bumblebee catfish hiding all the time?
Constant hiding is normal for bumblebee catfish during daylight hours. They are nocturnal and naturally spend the day in sheltered retreats. A bumblebee catfish that hides all day in a good cave is a healthy, comfortable fish. If you want to observe them, feed in the evening after the lights dim. A catfish that is hiding AND refusing evening food or showing visible stress symptoms warrants a water quality check.
Can bumblebee catfish live with shrimp?
Small shrimp like cherry shrimp or crystal shrimp are at risk from bumblebee catfish, especially at night when the catfish is actively hunting. Larger shrimp like amano shrimp (which reach 2 inches) are generally safe and too large to be easily swallowed. If shrimp are a priority in your tank, choose larger species or keep the bumblebee catfish well-fed to reduce predation attempts.
Do bumblebee catfish need a heater?
Yes. Bumblebee catfish need water temperatures between 70–79°F (21–26°C). Temperatures below 68°F slow their metabolism and leave them vulnerable to bacterial infections. A reliable aquarium heater set to 75°F is appropriate for most setups. Use a separate digital thermometer to confirm the temperature, as heater dials are often inaccurate by several degrees.
Equipment Recommendations
Bumblebee catfish need good water movement and strong biological filtration to replicate their natural fast-river habitat. A hang-on-back filter or canister filter with a flow rate of 5–7 times the tank volume per hour provides the oxygenation and water quality these fish need. Our best canister filter guide covers reliable options for 20–55 gallon catfish community tanks.
A reliable heater maintains the 72–77°F range that keeps bumblebee catfish healthy and active. Our best aquarium heater guide includes compact, adjustable options appropriate for 20–40 gallon tanks. Always verify the heater’s accuracy with a separate digital aquarium thermometer.
Don’t leave your bumblebee catfish’s water quality unmonitored. Test monthly with a complete aquarium test kit to keep nitrates in check. Set up the right filtration and caves from day one, and your bumblebee catfish will thrive as an active, reliably visible part of your community tank for 4–5 years.