Dwarf bumblebee catfish Care Guide

The Dwarf Bumblebee Catfish is a unique and moderately-sized aquarium fish, contributing both color and activity to a community tank. They are social creatures that prefer being in groups, making their habitat a lively and engaging environment.

Water Conditions

Dwarf Bumblebee Catfish thrive in water with a pH level ranging from 6 to 7.5. The optimal temperature to maintain these catfish is between 24°C to 28°C. These conditions mimic their natural habitat and promote health and longevity.

Tank Setup

Given their adult size of 5 to 7 cm, they require at least 5 liters of water per fish. They are bottom dwellers, so the tank should have plenty of hiding spots and structures where they can explore and shelter. A fine substrate and sufficient vegetation are recommended to provide a comfortable environment. A minimum school size of 6 is best for their well-being, ensuring they exhibit natural social behaviors.

Feeding

The Dwarf Bumblebee Catfish have a varied diet that includes commercially available options and live foods. They can be fed flakes, pellets, bloodworms, brine shrimp, tubifex worms, frozen shrimp, and daphnia. They enjoy occasional treats like vegetable matter, micro worms, feeder fish, freeze-dried foods, stick-on tablets, algae wafers, and color-enhancing food. It is important to provide a balanced diet to maintain their vibrant colors and health.

Behavior and Compatibility

These catfish are mostly peaceful, although they display moderate territorial behavior and become moderately more aggressive during breeding. They are suited to a community aquarium setup with non-aggressive fish that thrive in similar water parameters.

General Care

While classified as having moderate hardiness, Dwarf Bumblebee Catfish require regular tank maintenance to ensure a healthy environment. Regular water changes and filter maintenance are crucial to keep the water pristine and safe. Their affordability and moderate maintenance level make them accessible to aquarists with various levels of experience.