Fin's Fish Guide
The Bumblebee catfish (Pseudopimelodus bufonius) is a freshwater fish of the family Pseudopimelodidae that grows up to 25 cm.
Description
The bumblebee catfish is a South American catfish of the family Pseudopimelodidae from the Amazon and Orinoco basins. The species grows to about 25 cm and has a stocky body with a broad, flattened head and a large mouth, and a brown pattern with dark bands. It inhabits rivers and creeks, where by day it hides under wood and among stones and at night lies in ambush for small fishes and invertebrates. The stout, serrated pectoral spines can give painful puncture wounds and are hard to remove; therefore handle the fish with care.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bumblebee catfish?
The Bumblebee catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Broad, flattened head with a large mouth; serrated pectoral fin spines that are hard to free.
Where does the Bumblebee catfish live?
The Bumblebee catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America; rivers and creeks of the Amazon and Orinoco basins.
How big does the Bumblebee catfish get?
The Bumblebee catfish grows to a maximum of about 25 cm.
Is the Bumblebee catfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Bumblebee catfish is harmless to humans. The stout, sharp fin spines can cause painful puncture or cut wounds; handle the fish with care. Clean the wound, let it bleed, and seek medical care if pain or infection increases.
Is the Bumblebee catfish edible?
The Bumblebee catfish is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Pseudopimelodus
More from the family Pseudopimelodidae
Want the complete picture on the Bumblebee catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bumblebee catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.