Asian bumblebee catfish (Pseudomystus siamensis) care guide

Group
Freshwater fish
Other names
Asian bumblebee catfish, Siamese barred catfish, Siamese catfish, Leiocassis siamensis
Family
Bagridae (bagrid catfishes)
Origin
Thailand and the Mekong basin; type locality the Bangpakong River in the Chao Phraya basin.
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
15 cm
Temperature
20–26°C
pH
5.8–7.8
Hardness
3–18 dGH (estimated)
Minimum tank
150 litres
Care level
beginner
Temperament
semi_aggressive

Care

A hardy, boldly banded catfish with a short snout and a mouth set slightly underneath. It reaches about 15 cm standard length. No source gives a tank size; we suggest at least 150 litres for an adult (an estimate). It hides by day, so give each fish a cave, pipe or space under wood, plus plants and rocks. It seems to prefer softer, slightly acidic water but is adaptable, at about 20–26 °C and pH 5.8–7.8. Keep the water clean with regular changes. Males are slimmer and have a long genital papilla in front of the anal fin. The fish was formerly placed in Leiocassis and is sometimes still sold under that name. It is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Sources: PlanetCatfish (planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?speciesid=708). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Eats readily. Offer sinking pellets as a staple with live and frozen foods such as bloodworm and prawn. Feed after lights-out as it is mainly nocturnal.

Breeding

There are no breeding reports for this species.

Compatibility and tank mates

PlanetCatfish describes it as peaceful and compatible with most fish, though it may eat very small fish at night. Its relatives are mildly territorial, so give several hiding places if you keep more than one.

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

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