All our fish, shrimp and corals are bagged with fresh oxygen as well as a heat pack in winter.
When ordering livestock please select the box size and add it to your cart for accurate overnight (1-2 days) shipping costs. A small box can take 1-2 bags and a medium box 6 bags. One bag fits max 10 small (1-3cm) fish or max 2 medium (3-5cm) fish or max 1 large (>5cm) fish.
ONE SPECIES PER BAG. Eg: One bag of 10 neon tetra.
Bumblebee Catfish (Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum)
Description:
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Appearance:
- Body: Slender, elongated, and cylindrical with a streamlined shape. The body is well-suited for swift movements in their natural environment.
- Color: Distinctive black and yellow striped or spotted pattern resembling a bumblebee, giving them their common name. The pattern helps in camouflage and can vary in intensity.
- Size: Typically grows to 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) in length, although in larger tanks or their natural habitat, they can reach up to 24 inches (60 cm).
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Behavior:
- Activity: Generally active, especially during the evening or night. They are known to be agile swimmers and prefer to stay in the middle to bottom levels of the tank.
- Social Structure: Can be territorial and may exhibit aggression towards other catfish or similar species. It is advisable to keep them with larger tank mates or in a species-only setup to avoid conflicts.
Care Requirements:
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Tank Size:
- Minimum of 75 gallons (284 liters); larger tanks are recommended due to their potential size and need for ample swimming space.
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Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 74-82°F (23-28°C).
- pH: 6.0-7.5.
- Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water. They can adapt to a range of water hardness but prefer slightly acidic to neutral conditions.
- Filtration: Strong filtration is necessary to maintain clean water, as they can produce a significant amount of waste. Ensure the filter provides gentle water movement to avoid creating strong currents that may stress the fish.
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Tank Setup:
- Substrate: Soft substrate such as sand or fine gravel is ideal. It prevents damage to their barbels and provides a comfortable foraging area.
- Aquascaping: Provide hiding spots and structures using rocks, driftwood, and large plants. A well-structured tank with ample cover will help reduce stress and provide a natural environment.
- Lighting: Normal aquarium lighting is sufficient. They are not particularly sensitive to lighting but will appreciate shaded areas and darker spots for hiding.
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Diet:
- Primary Food: Carnivorous; feed a varied diet including high-quality pellets, live or frozen foods such as worms, shrimp, and small fish.
- Supplemental Food: Offer occasional treats like chopped meat or live foods to ensure a balanced diet. They are opportunistic feeders and enjoy a variety of protein sources.
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Behavioral Considerations:
- Compatibility: Generally peaceful with larger, non-aggressive fish. Avoid keeping with very small fish that may be seen as prey or with other aggressive species that may provoke them.
- Social Behavior: Can be territorial, so providing ample space and hiding spots is essential to reduce potential aggression. They are best kept in larger tanks with other robust fish.
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Tank Maintenance:
- Water Changes: Perform regular water changes (20-30% weekly) to maintain water quality and prevent the buildup of toxins.
- Cleaning: Regularly clean the tank and remove any uneaten food or waste. Ensure the filtration system is functioning properly and does not create strong currents.
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Health Care:
- Observation: Monitor for signs of stress or illness, such as changes in behavior, loss of appetite, or visible symptoms like discoloration or damage to fins.
- Treatment: Maintain optimal water conditions and consult an aquarium professional if any health issues arise. Address any signs of disease promptly to ensure the health of your fish.