Akysis Vespa

[Kestrix]

So I picked up a little fish today labled as a Orange Micro Bumblebee Catfish with the scientific name of Akysis vespa, though I can't be certain s/he actually is one, though the picture does look pretty darn close. That being said I'm trying to figure out the best tank to put her in, as I can only guess the care from closely related species. She's currently in a tank with my betta sorority, though temporarily.

Would my 20gallon Dwarf Cajun Crayfish tank be the best choice? It's kept at a cooler temperature and seems to be stable enough that the small group of White Cloud Minnows living it have been breeding for me as well as the Crawdads. The crayfish themselves are extremely harmless, as I keep another group of the same kind in with Dainty Cories (who have bred unexpectedly.).

[MatsP]

Crayfish and small fish are not a good combination - the crayfish ALWAYS win, and loosing in this case means death.

Do not keep small fish with crayfish - at least not in an enclosed environment...

--
Mats

[N0body Of The Goat]

From what little I've read about A. vespa, they need cool flowing water, not as turbulent as "Hillstream Loach" (so ~ 8-10x water turnover with good aeration) but a little cooler (<21C I think).

I forsee a dilemma coming your way, as the above conditions will stress your Betta, while mixing with the crayfish is live lunch waiting to happen.

Lovely little catfish, kizno1 had some recently, that I think sadly died in his fungal outbreak.

[Kestrix]

I normally would agree with you, having had a cherax destructor before who enjoyed culling my livebearers for me, but the dwarf crays get only about an inch and a half max. But after seeing how much he enjoys burrowing I've decided to move him into a spare plant grow out tank. I think he'll be happy with the sand/soil mix.

Thanks for the tips! If I can ever get him to come out of hiding I'll be sure to share pictures.