Asian Wasp Catfish (Akysis vespa) Care Guide
Akysis vespa is a tiny stream catfish from the Ataran drainage in Myanmar, with mildly stinging spines, suited to gentle nano biotopes.
Overview
Akysis vespa is a tiny catfish of the family Akysidae. FishBase records it from the Ataran River drainage in Myanmar, where it inhabits clear, fast-flowing streams with a gravelly bottom. Its specific name, vespa (wasp), refers to the painful sting its spines can inflict.
Taxonomy
- Family: Akysidae (stream catfishes)
- Genus: Akysis
- Scientific name: Akysis vespa
Habitat
FishBase describes the species occupying clear, fast-flowing streams with gravelly substrate in a tropical, demersal setting. It carries one dorsal spine and five dorsal soft rays and differs from related species in lacking serrations on the rear edge of the pectoral spine.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 60 L
- Temperature: 22-26 °C (72-79 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 2-10 °dGH
- Lifespan: 5-10 years
Diet
The species is insectivorous, taking small invertebrates. In the aquarium it accepts small sinking foods and frozen items such as bloodworms and cyclops, fed once daily and ideally after dark.
Compatibility
Peaceful and bottom-dwelling, it suits a calm nano setup with fine sand or gravel and gentle current. House only with similarly small, quiet species so it can compete for food and find shelter.