Family: Bagridae
Distribution: Pseudomystus siamensis, better known as either the Siamese Catfish or the Bumblebee Catfish, is an Asian freshwater species found in the Chao Phraya and Mekong basins; it has been seen in the Malay Peninsula, Maeklong and Southeast Thailand river systems. This insect-feeding species is distributed in rivers and streams.
PH: 6.0 – 8.0
Temperature: 20°C – 26C (68 – 79F)
Hardness: 4 – 25 dH
Description: Pseudomystus siamensis will reach a maximum length of 15 cm. The Siamese Catfish has irregular vertical bars that slash across a yellow to dark-grey – but sometimes plain black – body. It has a matching pair of nasal barbells that sit slightly forward of its eyes. The caudal fin is clear to yellowish, and has some blotches in the lobes. Males are slender compared to the deeper-bodied females.
Diet: Pseudomystus siamensis is a carnivore, but will easily adapt to prepared foods such as catfish pellets and wafers. Initially, you should feed this species during the night, but in time it will learn to feed during the day.
Breeding: This species is yet to be bred in an aquarium environment. In the wild, Pseudomystus siamensis will spawn during the rainy season. This substrate spawner would probably require acidic conditions to breed successfully in a tank environment.
Comments: You will need to make sure you have a totally dark cave in your tank. Long PVC pipes will provide satisfactory shelter for this species. The more spacious your tank is, the better; you could house a group of Pseudomystus siamensis in a large tank with several hiding spots. This fish also has a preference for wood over stone. This species does require some care and should only be attempted by experienced hobbyists.
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Recommended Compatible Species: The Siamese Catfish can become aggressive to its own species if kept in a small tank. You can house it with smaller, non-aggressive fish.
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