Orange Mini Bee Catfish

Orange Mini Bee Catfish (Akysis vespa) is a tiny and extraordinarily patterned catfish from the fast-flowing mountain streams of Myanmar, Thailand, and Burma. The vivid yellow-orange and dark brown banding — the bumblebee pattern that gives the species its name — is startling for such a small fish. The genus Akysis is notable for being one of the few catfish genera capable of producing mild venom from glands associated with the pectoral fin spines, though this poses no danger to aquarists beyond a mild sting if handled carelessly.

Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Micro Pellets crushed or soaked and placed near hiding spots after lights out make the best staple. Supplement with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp and Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Tubifex Worms 2–3 times per week — these nocturnal hunters respond enthusiastically to live or frozen invertebrate foods. Feed only after lights out; daytime feeding is largely wasted on this nocturnal species.

Native to swiftly flowing, clear, cool streams and rivers in Myanmar, Thailand, and Burma with rocky and sandy substrate. This species spends the day buried in sand or wedged under rocks, emerging only after dark to hunt micro-invertebrates using its sensitive barbels. Provide a dedicated sandy area for burrowing — this is essential behavior that the fish will carry out every day regardless of substrate.

Keep with other small, peaceful species that share its environmental requirements — hillstream loaches, small danios, and nano rasboras from similar fast-water habitats are ideal companions. Avoid any fish that might compete for hiding spots or food at the substrate level. Cool, well-oxygenated water with good flow is important.

Akysis vespa — the species name means 'wasp' in Latin, paired with the genus name Akysis derived from the Thai word for bee — completing an insect-themed nomenclature. It is a specialist fish for aquarists who appreciate unusual, rarely seen catfish with genuine collector appeal.

Care & Ideal Parameters