bumblebee catfish

Nice! Beware they are quite predatory. See e.g. this recent thread on bufonis: http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/f...05027-pseudopimelosus-care-info-and-tankmates

First, we need to know the ID. I don't think yours is a bufonis (but the info in that thread is relevant still) but rather or perhaps a Batrochoglanis raninus: http://www.planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?species_id=721

This PCF datasheet states extremely large distribution. Hence, I don't think that the substrate really matters, although I'd probably go with sand or none.

FishBase: http://www.fishbase.org/summary/batrochoglanis-raninus.html says "Commonly occurs in creeks as well as in rivers (Ref. 27188). Found in very shady and deep zones of rivers where the current is slow, the bottom is shady and the gravel is covered with plant debris. During the day, it lies hidden under branches or rocks. It goes stalk-hunting, swallowing prey within its range. Starts feeding on micro-crustaceans and aquatic insect larvae, then shifts it diet to fishes of notable size (Ref. 35381)."

I am no expert either by any means. FWIW, the body shape, esp. the head, look Batrochoglanis to my eye. Definitely not the most common SA bumblebee catfish microglanis iheringi, albeit I am not so sure about Microglanis cottoides, the second most common Microglanis it appears.

You might want to call this to the attention of Yellowcat. He is an expert hobbyist in Pseudopimelodidae family.

thebiggerthebetter said:

First, we need to know the ID. I don't think yours is a bufonis (but the info in that thread is relevant still) but rather or perhaps a Batrochoglanis raninus: http://www.planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?species_id=721

Click to expand...

When I first saw the pic I immediately thought Raninus and believe of your suggestions Raninus is easily the best. You're absolutely right though on them being very similar to Bufonius. Before Bufonius started being imported more regularly Raninus was one of the most likely members of psuedopimelodidae to be run into, right behind Iheringi. Unfortunately though for what ever reason they've become less readily available for some time now at least in my experience. Just like Bufonius these guys are like little cephalosilurus amazing ambush predators. Their jaws can close with considerable force more then enough to ensure that none but the biggest of prey has a chance of escaping and their gut can easily stretch to accommodate large prey. I'd personally be very wary about keeping them with fish their own size or smaller because at night these guys become brazen and can easily take out a sleeping fish.