Care
The Giant Bumblebee Catfish is a predatory species known from the rivers of northeastern South America from Lake Maracaibo to eastern Brazil. Here it lies in wait on the substrate, well disguised amongst the leaf litter, ready to ambush prey as it unwittingly swims past. This nocturnal bottom-dweller requires a spacious aquarium with a soft sand substrate in order to protect the sensory barbels. There should be plenty of hiding places/visual barriers amongst driftwood, rocky caves, PVC pipes/flowerpots, and robust planting. The more hiding places that are provided, the more the catfish is likely to venture out and about, as it will get to know it has safe places to quickly retreat to if it feels the need. Dim lighting is preferred, but this can be brighter if it is diffused with broad leaved species or floating plants. A blue moon light timed to come on just before the main lights switch off will provide you with time in the evening to watch the nocturnal antics of this catfish under its preferred subdued conditions. Filtration should be efficient, with moderate water flow. Frequent partial water changes are essential to keep the nitrate level at a minimum. These fish are best maintained singly, as territorial aggression increases (particularly in the males) as the fish mature. Tankmates must be chosen with care, as Giant Bumblebee Catfish are highly predatory and will consume fish of almost equal size. It is best to house with fish that are at 25-50% larger than the catfish itself. Large armoured catfish, sizeable cichlids, and adult silver dollars could all be considered good companions, but do observe carefully.
Feeding
Offer a varied selection of meaty foods. Smaller specimens will take bloodworm, Mysis shrimp, chopped seafood, small pieces of meat etc. Larger specimens will enjoy earthworms, prawns, crab/crayfish meat etc. Some will also relish tablet food, particularly sinking carnivore pellets.
Breeding
This species has not been bred in the home aquarium.
