Bumblebee Jelly Catfish
Bumblebee Jelly Catfish (Batrochoglanis cf. raninus) is a compact and striking South American catfish with bold yellow and dark brown to black banding — the bumblebee pattern — on a particularly robust, broad-headed body. The cf. designation indicates this trade fish is likely close to Batrochoglanis raninus but may represent an undescribed or closely related species. The genus name Batrochoglanis means 'frog-cat' — the wide, flat head genuinely recalls a frog in profile.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Micro Pellets and Hikari Sinking Wafers make excellent staples — feed after lights out. Supplement with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms 2–3 times per week. Provide tight-fitting caves. Note the very large mouth — this fish can take surprisingly large prey.
Native to rivers and streams of northern South America — Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, and Brazil. Inhabits slow-moving waters with leaf litter, submerged wood, and muddy substrate. The broad, flat head and large mouth are adapted for ambush predation — this catfish lies in wait and engulfs prey with a rapid strike rather than actively hunting.
Keep singly or in pairs with adequate caves. The Bumblebee Jelly Catfish is an ambush predator with a larger mouth than its size suggests — any fish smaller than half its body length is potential prey. Choose tankmates carefully. Generally peaceful toward fish too large to eat.
A visually striking and behaviorally interesting catfish for the aquarist who appreciates unusual South American species. The 'frog-cat' head shape, bold banding, and ambush hunting style make it one of the more characterful small catfish available.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy — Moderate |
| Temperament | Peaceful with large fish — ambush predator toward small fish |
| Typical Adult Size | 3.5 inches (9 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | Singly or pair with adequate caves |
| Ideal Temp | 75–82°F (24–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Ideal GH | 2–12 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 0–6 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Micro Pellets; Hikari Sinking Wafers |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms |
| Origin | Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Brazil (northern South America) |
| Notes | cf. raninus — may be undescribed species. Batrochoglanis = 'frog-cat' — wide frog-like head. Ambush predator with large mouth. Tight-fitting cave essential. |
