Dwarf bumblebee catfish (Pseudomystus leiacanthus) care guide

Group
Freshwater fish
Other names
Bumblebee catfish, Asian bumblebee catfish, Leiocassis leiacanthus
Family
Bagridae (bagrid catfishes)
Origin
South-east Asia: the Malay Peninsula, Singapore, Sumatra and Borneo, in forest streams and peat swamps.
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
6.2 cm
Temperature
22–27°C
pH
5.6–6.6
Hardness
Soft, acidic water
Minimum tank
80 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
peaceful

Care

A small, boldly banded bagrid with cream and dark brown bars. PlanetCatfish gives a maximum of about 6 cm standard length and describes it as peaceful and sociable, so it can be kept in a small group. It is mostly nocturnal and needs places to hide by day. PlanetCatfish recommends plenty of driftwood in a heavily planted tank. Add caves, roots and leaf litter, keep the lighting subdued, and use a soft substrate. A tank of around 80 litres for a small group is our estimate. This is a soft, acidic-water fish: PlanetCatfish gives 22–27 °C and pH 5.6–6.6. Peat-stained or tannin-coloured water suits it, and stable conditions with regular water changes are important. Males are more slender and have an elongated genital papilla in front of the anal fin. It has rounded tail lobes and short barbels (no longer than the head), which help separate it from similar Leiocassis species. Several banded Pseudomystus are sold as "bumblebee catfish", including the larger P. siamensis, so check the species before buying. Some bagrids make a croaking sound when lifted from the water, and the fin spines are sharp. Formerly placed in Leiocassis. PlanetCatfish lists it as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List (assessed 2018). Most trade fish are wild-caught. Sources: PlanetCatfish (planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?speciesid=850). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Readily takes live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, brine shrimp and mysis, as well as sinking pellets and tablets. It feeds mostly at night, so add some food after lights out.

Breeding

Not reported in captivity.

Compatibility and tank mates

A peaceful species that PlanetCatfish rates as compatible with most fish. Ideal tankmates are other small South-east Asian fish such as rasboras, small barbs and gouramis in a soft-water biotope. Very small fish or shrimps may be eaten at night.

Last updated 5 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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