Bumblebee Compatibility?

Sophi898 · Post by **Sophi898** » 25 Feb 2007, 16:32

I have a bumblebee catfish that I currently have in a 10 gallon tank by itself. I also have a 30 gallon that has 4 rosy barbs, a Bolivian ram, and a firemouth. My original plan was to move the bumblebee in with the other fish, however I've had a MAJOR problem with him eating my other fish in the past (which is why he's alone in the 10). He will eat just about any fish that is small enough to fit in his mouth, and even some that are bigger than he is. I wouldn't be too worried about moving him, except the other fish are still young and only about 1.5 inches(bumblebee is closer to 3.5 inches). Since the smaller fish are also more aggressive fish, do you think they'd be able to defend themselves if he tried to eat them? or should I wait until they're a little bit bigger?

Post by **Marc van Arc** » 25 Feb 2007, 16:43

Hi Sophi & welcome to PC.
Could you pls expand a little on the species, because bumble bee won't be enough I'm afraid.
Pls check the Cat-eLog, scientific name Pseudopimelodidae for the exact species, thus giving us a better opportunity to be able to help you out.
Thanks.

Sophi898 · Post by **Sophi898** » 25 Feb 2007, 17:12

hmm...well it looks like it could either be a P. Charus or P. Schultzi. I bought it from petsmart, so if there's a more common aquarium one then that's probably what it is. Sorry I don't know much more than that

I'm pretty sure it isn't the giant one though, because I know it's not supposed to get that big.
any help is greatly appreciated, if I can move it I'd like to do it soon. thanks!

Post by **Marc van Arc** » 25 Feb 2007, 20:08

The ones you name are not very common. How about this one ? If so, it'll go easy with not too small fishes.
If it's this one , you'll have some more troubles.
Let me know which one it is.

Sophi898 · Post by **Sophi898** » 25 Feb 2007, 20:17

It's definitely the second one(Batrochoglanis raninus). the picture looks EXACTLY like the one that I have, and the description fits him perfectly.

Post by **Marc van Arc** » 25 Feb 2007, 20:38

Well in that case be prepared to the fact that it's able to eat anything that fits its mouth (and beyond). Your fish won't be bothered during the day but at night, when they are resting/sleeping and the bumblebee is on the move. Thus they stand little chance. Either keep it seperate or get some larger fishes for your 30 gallon. Sorry for this bad news.
I'm keeping 3 of those currently and I've been there too....

grokefish · Post by **grokefish** » 28 Feb 2007, 18:49

Do you keep them in with each other Marc?

Post by **Marc van Arc** » 28 Feb 2007, 20:21

Yup, for the time being. They are the smallest fish in my large tank but after last week they cause a slight problem: they occupy hiding places......
So I'm afraid I'll have to say goodbye to them shortly.
When they were in the small tank however they certainly did their thing; when I had to empty that tank I only had to catch half the initial population