Article © D & R Lalkaka, uploaded April 01, 2002.

This month I am indebted to Planet Catfish contributor Dinyar Lalkaka for supplying these great images of his fish. They instantly reminded me of how much I like this species and choosing it for catfish of the month was not a hard step to take.

Reading many catfish books you would be forgiven for thinking this is a commonly available catfish. In truth in the 1970's and early 80s, it was a common find in your LFS, but it hasn't been commonly available in more recent years. However, import patterns following their own rhythms, this fish has been turning up here and there recently. Perhaps it will become more steadily available over the next few years, giving us greater opportunity to learn about this pretty mid-sized catfish.

Although this species' head is always dark brown to black, the distinctive yellow and dark banding colouration across the rest of the body is variable - as are the exact size, shape and intensity of the dark pigment of the caudal fin lobe blotches. The fish have beautiful crystal blue eyes which are dull, but should never be cloudy in a healthy fish.

Keepers of this fish are used to rare sightings especially if kept in a heavily decorated tank. Because the fish is so infrequently observed the aquarist can note significant changes in size and shape. The fish is relatively fast growing, attaining its full size in under two years - given sufficient space and food.

Despite the fact it is hard to find a catfish book that doesn't feature this species, surprisingly little hard fact beyond basic husbandry exists. Experiments in spawning are perhaps hampered by the fishes territorial or carnivorous nature, but it is often the case that hardy species are easy to spawn once the secrets are unlocked. The recent spate of imports of this fish allow another generation of catfish keepers to try their hand at this, surely rewarding, accomplishment.

Copyright information for the images used in this article can be found on the species' full Cat-eLog page.

Cat-eLog Data Sheet
Scientific Name	Pseudomystus siamensis  (Regan, 1913)
Common Names	Asian Bumblebee Catfish Humlebimalle (Denmark), Siamese Barred Catfish, Siamese Catfish, Siamesischer Ringelwels (Germany)
Type Locality	Bangpakong River, Chao Phraya basin, Thailand.
Synonym(s)	Leiocassis siamensis
Pronunciation	SUE doh MIST uss - sigh ah MEN siss
Etymology	From the Greek pseudos, meaning lie, and mystus, a genus of bagrid catfishes. In reference to the overall similarity of the two genera. Named after its then country of origin Siam (know today as Thailand).
Articles	- Shane's World Reproduction A chance spawning of the Asian Bumblebee
Species Information
Size	150mm or 5.9" SL. Find near, nearer or same sized spp.
Identification	Members of the bagrid genus Pseudomystus are small- to mid-sized freshwater catfish endemic to Southeast Asia.Pseudomystus are commonly found in swamps and rivers throughout Southeast Asia. They can be differentiated from Leiocassis by a relatively short snout and a subterminal mouth. Many Pseudomystus have a color pattern of contrasting vertical bars or blotches. Quite distinctive within its family, this species can be confused with the various South American bumblebee catfish from the family Pimelodidae. All Bagrids, the Asian bumblebee included, have a matched pair of nasal barbels which originate slightly forward of the eyes and tend to run almost vertically upwards. The caudal fin is clear to yellowish with variable blotches in the twin lobes.
Sexing	Females are more deeper bodied in comparison to the more slender males.
General Remarks	Intensity of colouration varies with size, age and possibly gender.
Habitat Information
Distribution	Asia: Chao Phraya and Mekong basins. Reported from Mekong, Peninsular and Southeast Thailand river systems. Thailand Waters, Chao Praya (click on these areas to find other species found there) Mekong (click on these areas to find other species found there) Thailand Waters, Peninsular Thailand Waters (click on these areas to find other species found there) Log in to view data on a map.
IUCN Red List Category	Least Concern, range map and more is available on the IUCN species page. Last assessed 2011.
pH	5.8 - 7.8
Temperature	20.0-26.0°C or 68-78.8°F (Show species within this range)
Other Parameters	Appears to prefer acidic, softer water but is truly hardy and adaptable in captivity.
Husbandry Information
Feeding	A carnivore; this species eats insects and small aquatic crustaceans in the wild but will adapt to most prepared foods easily. Feeding will initially be at night but this nocturnal species can be ''trained'' to eat during the day. User data.
Furniture	An totally dark cave is required, sized to suit the fish. Long black PVC pipes are ideal, the fish also prefers wood to stone.
Compatibility	Territorially aggressive to its own kind or similar catfishes although more spacious tanks with plenty of hiding places can house a group of these fish. Tell tale croaking noises through the night belie nocturnal disputes and should prompt the separation of waring faction before too much damage is done. Larger individuals will eat small fish (usually at night).
Suggested Tankmates	Ideal fish for the active, large Cyprinid tank. Due to its nocturnal feeding habits it suits most American cichlid tanks too, but fry will be eaten.
Breeding	Only a single documented captive spawning report exists - see Shane's World article. Reports indicate the fishes spawn during the rainy season in the wild, the young being found in fishermens nets around August.
Breeding Reports	There is no breeding report.
Further Information
Reference	Annals and Magazine of Natural History (Series 8) v. 11 (no. 66), pp 550.
Registered Keepers	There are 87 registered keepers, view all "my cats" data.
Wishlists	Love this species? Click the heart to add it to your wish list. There are 5 wishes to keep this species, see who wants what.
Spotters	Spotted this species somewhere? Click the binoculars! There are 24 records of this fish being seen, view them all.
Forum BBCode
	Search for P. siamensis
	Look up P. siamensis on AquaticRepublic.com
	Look up P. siamensis on Fishbase
	Look up P. siamensis on Encyclopedia of Life
	Look up P. siamensis on Global Biodiversity Information Facility
	LFS label creator
Last Update	2019 Sep 22 08:01 (species record created: 2002 Apr 01 11:22)

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