[Ebook] 500 freshwater aquarium fish – Catfish – Banded Mystus (Mystus vittatus)

This species has a similar body color to M. micracanthus, but it is overlaid with two distinct darker bands that run from behind a body spot (similar in color to that possessed by M. micracanthus but smaller) to the base of the caudal fin. A fainter band is also discernible above the main one.

Other common name

• Striped Catfish

Family

• Bagridae

Distribution

• Myanmar (Burma), India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Malaysia, and Thailand.

Size

• Around 8in (20cm).

Behavior

• Does well with similar-sized tankmates, but may prey on small fish.

Diet

• Some commercial formulations accepted, but livefoods preferred.

Aquarium

• Spacious and well filtered, with open swimming areas and hiding places. Water chemistry not critical. Temperature range: 72-82F (22-28C).

Breeding

• Although it is known that an active courtship, accompanied by “tweeting” noises, culminates in eggs being released among roots or plants, there are no known breeding successes in aquaria.