Bumblebee Catfish Care

Overview

The bumblebee catfish is a species of freshwater catfish native to West Africa. It is a member of the family Bagridae and is known by the scientific name Parailurus catus. The bumblebee catfish is a popular aquarium fish, due to its unique coloration and patterning.

The bumblebee catfish is an opportunistic feeder and will eat most anything that fits into its mouth. In the wild, the bumblebee catfish is found in slow-moving waters, such as rivers, lakes, and swamps. The bumblebee catfish prefers to live in groups, and in the aquarium, should be kept in groups of six or more. The bumblebee catfish is a relatively peaceful fish, but can be aggressive towards smaller fish.

Bumblebee catfish are a peaceful and easy-to-care-for addition to any freshwater aquarium. These bottom-dwellers prefer slow-moving water and plenty of hiding places. A diet of live or frozen foods will keep your bumblebee catfish healthy and happy.

Lifespan

The bumblebee catfish is a long-lived fish, with a lifespan of up to 20 years in captivity. It is a hardy fish that is adaptable to a wide range of water conditions. It is a peaceful fish that gets along well with other fish.

Appearance

The Bumblebee Catfish is a small, stocky fish with a dark brown or black body. Its belly is yellow or white, and it has three dark stripes running along its sides. The Bumblebee Catfish has a large head with a protruding lower jaw. It has small eyes and barbels on its chin. This fish can grow to be about 4 inches long.

Fish Size

Bumblebee Catfish can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) in length. They are a hardy fish and can live in a variety of different water conditions. Bumblebee Catfish are a peaceful fish and do well in community tanks. They are omnivores and will eat a variety of different foods.

Tank Size

Bumblebee catfish are a small species of catfish that grow to an average size of 4-5 inches (10-12 cm). They are a peaceful species that do well in community aquariums. A minimum tank size of 20 gallons (76 L) is recommended for a single bumblebee catfish. If you plan to keep a group of bumblebee catfish, a larger tank of 30 gallons (114 L) or more will be necessary.

Water Parameters

Water parameters are important to consider when keeping bumblebee catfish, as they are sensitive to changes in their environment. The ideal water parameters for bumblebee catfish are a pH of 6.5-7.5, a water hardness of 2-10 dH, and a temperature of 72-79 degrees Fahrenheit. However, bumblebee catfish are tolerant of a wide range of water conditions and can adapt to changes in their environment, so long as the changes are gradual.

What To Put In Their Tank

Bumblebee catfish are relatively easy to care for, and can be kept in a variety of tank setups. They are a peaceful species that does well in community tanks, and can be kept with a variety of other fish species.

Bumblebee catfish prefer a tank with plenty of hiding places and a dark substrate. They are not demanding in terms of water parameters, but prefer slightly acidic to neutral water. A good filtration system is important, as bumblebee catfish are messy eaters and produce a lot of waste.

Bumblebee catfish are omnivorous and will eat a variety of foods, including pellets, flakes, live food, and frozen food. A varied diet is important to keep them healthy. They should be fed several times a day in small amounts.

Common Potential Diseases

Aquarium fishkeeping is a challenging and rewarding hobby that comes with a great responsibility to the fish, and potential diseases are one of the biggest challenges faced by aquarists. There are a number of common potential diseases that can affect bumblebee catfish, and it is important to be aware of them in order to provide the best possible care for your fish.

Most potential diseases can be prevented by following proper fishkeeping practices, such as quarantine of new fish, regular water changes, and good filtration. However, even the most well-kept aquarium can sometimes fall victim to disease. The most common potential diseases that can affect bumblebee catfish include:

Ich: Also known as white spot disease, ich is a protozoan infection that is one of the most common diseases seen in aquarium fish. Ich is characterized by white spots on the fish, which can lead to heavy scratching, irritation, and even death if left untreated. Ich is most commonly seen in aquariums that are overcrowded, have poor water quality, or have stressed fish.

The best way to prevent ich is to maintain good water quality and to avoid overstocking your aquarium. If ich does occur, it can be treated with a number of different medications, including copper-based treatments and formalin-based treatments.

Finrot: Finrot is a bacterial infection that affects the fins and tail of fish. Finrot is often seen in aquariums with poor water quality, as the bacteria that cause the infection thrive in dirty water. Finrot can also be caused by physical damage to the fins, which can occur if the fish are kept in an overcrowded aquarium or if they are constantly rubbing against objects in the aquarium.

Finrot is characterized by red or black patches on the fins and tail, and the fins may appear to be rotting away. If left untreated, finrot can lead to death. Finrot can be treated with a number of different medications, including antibiotics.

Dropsy: Dropsy is a disease that is characterized by an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the body cavity of fish. Dropsy can be caused by a number of different things, including bacterial infections, viral infections, parasites, and even tumors. Dropsy is often seen in aquariums with poor water quality, as the toxins that build up in the water can cause the fish to become sick.

Dropsy is characterized by a fish that appears to be bloated and has scales that are sticking out. If left untreated, dropsy can lead to death. Dropsy can be treated with a number of different medications, including antibiotics and anti-parasitic medications.

If you suspect that your fish are sick, it is important to take them to a veterinarian that specializes in aquarium fish. The sooner the disease is diagnosed and treated, the better the chances are for a full recovery.

Food & Diet

Bumblebee catfish are opportunistic feeders and will consume a variety of foods. In the wild, they feed on small invertebrates, worms, and other small organisms. In captivity, they should be offered a variety of foods, including live and frozen foods, as well as pellets and flakes designed for bottom-dwelling fish.

When choosing foods for your bumblebee catfish, it is important to remember that they are bottom-dwellers. This means that they prefer foods that sink to the bottom of the tank. To ensure that your bumblebee catfish are getting the nutrition they need, it is a good idea to offer a variety of foods, including live foods, frozen foods, pellets, and flakes.

Behavior & Temperament

Bumblebee catfish are peaceful, bottom-dwelling fish that do well in a community aquarium. They are shy fish that prefer to hide among plants and rocks, so a densely planted aquarium with plenty of hiding places is ideal. Bumblebee catfish are nocturnal, so they are most active at night.

Bumblebee catfish are scavengers and will eat just about anything, so they are a good addition to a cleanup crew. They are also good algae eaters. Bumblebee catfish are peaceful fish, but they can be territorial with their own kind. It is best to keep them in pairs or in small groups.

Bumblebee catfish are not demanding fish and are easy to care for. They are a good choice for beginner aquarists.

Bumblebee Catfish Tank Mates

Bumblebee catfish are peaceful, hardy fish that make excellent tank mates for a variety of other fish. They are compatible with most other community fish, including other peaceful catfish, tetras, livebearers, gouramis, and danios. They prefer to live in groups, so be sure to add at least six of them to your tank.

Bumblebee catfish are also known to be good algae eaters, so they can help keep your tank clean. They are not picky eaters and will eat most types of aquarium food, including flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods.

When choosing tank mates for your bumblebee catfish, be sure to avoid aggressive fish that may bully or harass them. Also, be sure to choose fish that are similar in size to the bumblebee catfish, as they may be intimidated by larger fish.

Breeding

Bumblebee cats are easy to reproduce in the home aquarium. They are an egg-laying species, and the female will lay a large number of eggs (up to 1000!) on plants or other surfaces in the aquarium. The male will then fertilize the eggs.

The eggs will hatch in 3-5 days, and the fry will be free-swimming a few days after that. The fry are very small and need to be fed very small live or frozen foods. They will grow quickly, and can be sexed when they reach around 2 inches in size.

Bumblebee cats are not picky eaters, and will accept most aquarium foods. They are not aggressive towards other fish, but can be territorial with their own species. They are a hardy species and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions.

If you are looking for a fun and easy fish to breed, the bumblebee catfish is a great choice!

FAQ

How large do bumblebee catfish get?

The bumblebee catfish (Hara jerdoni) is a small freshwater fish that typically only grows to be about 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) long. However, there have been reports of fish reaching up to 4 inches (10 cm) in length. These fish are native to the streams and rivers of southern India and Sri Lanka.

Do bumblebee catfish need groups?

Bumblebee catfish are schooling fish that do best in groups of 3 or more. They are peaceful fish that get along well with other tank mates. Bumblebee catfish are native to the rivers of South America and are excellent scavengers.

How often should I feed my bumblebee catfish?

Bumblebee catfish are omnivorous and will accept most aquarium foods, including flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods. They should be fed a variety of foods to ensure proper nutrition.

Bumblebee catfish are relatively inactive fish and don’t require a lot of food. A good rule of thumb is to feed them once a day, or every other day. Overfeeding can lead to water quality issues, so it’s best to err on the side of caution. If you’re not sure how much to feed your bumblebee catfish, start with a small amount and increase as needed.

What fish can go with a bumblebee catfish?

There are a few different types of fish that can go with a bumblebee catfish, but it really depends on the size of the fish and the size of the tank. Some good options for smaller tanks include tetras, danios, and rasboras. For larger tanks, some good options include African cichlids, barbs, and gouramis.

Can bumblebee catfish be kept alone?

No, bumblebee catfish cannot be kept alone. They are a social fish and need to be kept in groups. If you are only looking to keep one fish, then a bumblebee catfish is not the right choice for you.

What temperature do bumblebee catfish like?

Bumblebee catfish like water that is between 72 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an interesting and relatively low-maintenance fish for your aquarium, the bumblebee catfish is a great choice. These little fish are very hardy, and as long as you provide them with a suitable tank and water conditions, they should thrive. Bumblebee catfish are also relatively peaceful, making them good tank mates for a variety of other fish.