Pseudomystus siamensis (Regan, 1913)
Asian bumblebee catfish
photo by Jean-Francois Helias / Fishing Adventures Thailand

Family:  Bagridae (Bagrid catfishes)
Max. size:  18 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater; pH range: 6 - 8; dH range: 4 - 25
Distribution:  Asia: Chao Phraya and Mekong basins (Ref. 27732). Reported from Maeklong, Peninsular and Southeast Thailand river systems (Ref. 26336).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 1-1; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7-7; Anal soft rays: 16-17. Irregular vertical bars on a yellowish to dark grey background (sometime plain dark body); hyaline caudal fin with or without a single black blotch on each caudal lobe; short barbels (maxillary barbels not reaching base of pectoral spine); body depth at dorsal-fin origin larger than head width; a high, rounded adipose fin (Ref. 27732).
Biology:  Occurs in rivers and streams (Ref. 12693). Found in the basin wide tributary of the lower Mekong (Ref. 36667). Feeds on aquatic insect larvae, including odonatans. Adult females captured in February had well-developed ova. Spawning takes place at the beginning of the rainy season, with the young appearing in fishing nets during August. Market fresh (Ref. 12693).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 09 March 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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