South American Bumblebee Catfish

Microglanis iheringi is a carnivore that readily accepts high-quality sinking pellets and wafers as a dietary staple. It benefits greatly from regular supplementation with frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Feeding is best done at lights-out due to its nocturnal nature, ensuring it competes effectively for food.

This species is nocturnal and spends daylight hours hiding among caves, driftwood, and dense vegetation, becoming more active and exploratory after dark. It is generally peaceful toward tankmates of appropriate size, though it may attempt to consume very small fish or invertebrates that fit in its mouth. Providing multiple hiding spots reduces stress and encourages natural behavior, and it can be kept singly or in small groups without significant aggression between individuals.

Breeding Microglanis iheringi in captivity is uncommon but has been achieved; conditioning pairs with live and frozen foods and performing cool water changes to simulate seasonal rainfall can trigger spawning. Eggs are deposited in a cave or sheltered crevice, and the male may guard the clutch briefly. Raising fry requires very fine live foods such as microworms and infusoria, and water quality must be kept pristine throughout the process.