Description
The most widely accepted English common names for Pseudopimelodus raninus (now scientifically classified as Batrochoglanis raninus).
Taxonomy and Naming Context
- Current Scientific Name: Batrochoglanis raninus (Valenciennes, 1840)
- Previous/Synonym Scientific Name: Pseudopimelodus raninus (It was reclassified because Batrochoglanis species feature slightly indented caudal fins rather than the deeply forked caudal fins true Pseudopimelodus possess).
- Family: Pseudopimelodidae (Bumblebee catfishes or dwarf-bee catfishes)
- Origin: South America (Amazon and Orinoco river basins, plus coastal rivers in the Guyanas).
- Size: Grows to approximately 10 to 12 cm (4 to 4.7 inches) in home aquariums.
- Behavior: Nocturnal and ambush-style predator that prefers shady, slow-moving river zones or heavily decorated aquarium setups with plenty of hiding spacesÂ
- To successfully care for the Bumblebee Jelly Catfish (Batrochoglanis raninus), you must provide a dim, secure environment and tankmates that are too large for it to swallow.
Aquarium Setup
- Tank Size: Provide a minimum of 30 gallons (115 liters) for a single adult specimen.
- Substrate: Use smooth, fine sand to protect their delicate sensory barbels from scratches.
- Hiding Spots: Include ample caves, PVC pipes, smooth rocks, and driftwood to mimic their natural habitat.
- Lighting: Keep the aquarium lights dim, or use floating plants to filter out bright glare.
Water Parameters- Temperature: Maintain a steady range between 22°C and 26°C (72°F to 79°F).
- pH Level: Keep the water slightly acidic to neutral, ideally between 6.0 and 7.2 pH.
- Hardness: Aim for soft to medium-hard water, ranging from 5 to 15 dGH.
- Filtration: Use efficient filtration with low to moderate water flow, as they dislike turbulent currents.
Diet and Feeding- Feeding Style: Feed them at night or just after turning off the aquarium lights.
- Primary Foods: Offer meaty live or frozen items like bloodworms, earthworms, blackworms, and brine shrimp.
- Prepared Foods: Train them to accept sinking carnivore pellets or wafers over time.
- Caution: Avoid overfeeding, as these fish are opportunistic gluttons and will eat until they bloat.
Tankmates and Compatibility- Predatory Nature: Do not house them with small fish like neon tetras or guppies, as they will eat them overnight.
- Ideal Companions: Choose robust, peaceful, mid-to-top-dwelling species such as medium-sized tetras, dollar fish, or peaceful cichlids.
- Conspecific Behavior: Keep them solitary unless the tank is very large, as they can be highly territorial with their own kind
