Dwarf Marbled Bumblebee Catfish - Microglanis Poecilus

The Dwarf Marbled Bumblebee Catfish is a small, striking species known for its bold marbled pattern of black and golden-yellow bands. Its chunky body and contrasting coloration give it a classic “bumblebee” look, while its compact size makes it well-suited to smaller aquariums compared to many other catfish.

This species is primarily nocturnal and tends to stay hidden during the day, becoming more active at night. Providing plenty of caves, driftwood, and shaded areas will help it feel secure and encourage natural behavior.

Care Requirements:
A minimum tank size of 15–20 gallons is recommended. They prefer a well-structured aquarium with plenty of hiding spots and low to moderate lighting. Gentle to moderate flow and stable, clean water conditions are important for long-term health. A soft substrate is ideal, as they spend most of their time along the bottom.

• Temperature: 72–79°F
• pH: 6.0–7.5

Regular maintenance and stable parameters are key, as they can be sensitive to poor water quality.

Diet:
Dwarf Bumblebee Catfish are carnivorous and require a protein-rich diet. Offer sinking pellets or wafers as a staple, along with frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and blackworms. They may not compete well for food during the day, so target feeding or feeding after lights out is often helpful.

Tankmates:
They are generally peaceful but can be opportunistic predators due to their mouth size. Avoid very small fish or shrimp that may be seen as food. Suitable tankmates include peaceful, similarly sized community fish such as tetras, rasboras, and dwarf cichlids. Avoid aggressive species that may outcompete or stress them.