Asian Bumblebee Catfish?

[Smells a bit fishy]

Hi there,

I posted this in the tropical discussions as well, but decided to post in here as well.


Ok, I inherited this fish with others a while ago, I thought it must have been a SA bumblebee, however one of my mollies has lost some of its tail fin and dorsel fin, and his scales are a bit rank. I now however think differently than I did last night.

But I did do a search of the SA bumblebee and didnt think it looked much like him/her. I then did a search of the asian one and it looks alot more like that, other than its not white, its more of a browny gold, but still black, not sure if the colour has changed over time.

Here is the best pic I could get of him, after over half an hour fight with him, the pic isnt great tho:

Could anyone tell me if this catfish is safe to have with smaller fish? It has been very peaceful and even gets kicked out of hidy holes by a common plec. And no fish have gone "missing" either.

Your help would be greatly appreciated

 

[toddnbecka]

They'll eat anything that will fit into their relatively large mouth.

 

[Smells a bit fishy]

So it is an Asian bumblebee cat?

 

[MartinS]

Yes, it's a fish commonly known as Asian Bumblebee. most likely a Pseudomystus siamensis.
As above, will eat anything it can fit in it's mouth, including small fish. Best fed on a mix of small-medium pellets, frozen meaty foods such as bloodworm, mysis and brineshrimp. It will be mainly active during lights off but can be tempted out with food. Over time, it may even become more active in the daytime. As you will see from the data sheet linked to above, it will get to around 6" (without tail), so will need to be kept with larger deep-bodied tetras, barbs etc. Any livebearers will supply live food via their young.
HTH
Martin

 

[Squidward]

I have a pair of these and never see them.
Even when I feed my Reed fish after lights out, the Cats never come out.
Not sure what they are eating.