MALE Microglanis iherengi, image by Paul Barrow

Microglanis iheringi     Gomes, 1946
Synonyms: none
Common Name: Bumblebee Catfish
Other Common Names: South American Bumblebee Catfish, Venezuelan Bee Catfish
Family: Pseudopimelodidae
Continent: South America
Distribution: Venezuela
Habitat: freshwater rivers & streams
Food:  small live foods and sinking commercial foods
Water Temperature: 24-28°C
Water Chemistry:   pH 6.0-8.0
FBAS Size:    Males [85mm]    Females [85mm]
FBAS Class: G
Temperament: inoffensive; good community fish
Aquarium Size: 60cm or longer
Gender Differences: males are smaller & thinner; females much plumper
Breeding: has been achieved in the captivity; egg scatterer
Additional Information: Often confused with young of much larger bumblebee catfish from South America (Pseudopimelodus) & Asia (Pseudomystus).
To add to the confusion, there are other, similar looking, Microglanis species.
Young fish appear regularly, usually found hiding under stones. One of the requirements for successful breeding seems to be having a group of more than three fish. I've been lucky enough to witness the full breeding cycle. It starts off in a similar manner to Corydoras, two or more males relentless chasing a female. Once she gets too tire to carry on, one of the male forms an amplexus with by wrapping himself around her head. She breaks free from this by opening he mouth wide, propelling a large amount of water & milt back toward her eggs. This process is repeated for many hours. My observation of these fish over a few years, indicates they may sequential hermaphrodite, one male in a group changing into a female.

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