Striped Mystus (Mystus vittatus) Care Guide
Mystus vittatus is a striped South Asian bagrid catfish from lakes and swamps, an omnivore best kept in groups in a roomy tank.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Mystus vittatus is a striped bagrid catfish of South and Southeast Asia. FishBase records it from Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Malaysia, Laos, Bhutan, Vietnam and Cambodia. It is a nocturnal, bottom-oriented fish that has been bred in the aquarium and is also valued in minor commercial fisheries.
Taxonomy
- Family: Bagridae (bagrid catfishes)
- Genus: Mystus
- Scientific name: Mystus vittatus
Habitat
According to FishBase the species is usually found among marginal vegetation in lakes and swamps with a mud substrate, and inhabits both standing and flowing fresh and brackish waters. Like other bagrids it is a facultative air-breather, allowing it to cope with low-oxygen conditions.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 150 L
- Temperature: 22-26 °C (72-79 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 2-15 °dGH
- Group size: 5 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 5-10 years
Diet
FishBase describes Mystus vittatus as an omnivorous feeder taking plants, shrimps, insects, mollusks and fish, at trophic level 3.1. In aquaria it readily accepts sinking pellets and frozen or live foods, fed once daily and ideally after lights-out.
Compatibility
It is peaceful with similarly sized tankmates but will eat fish and shrimp small enough to swallow. A group of five or more reduces stress and shows more natural behavior. Suitable companions include robust barbs and loaches; provide driftwood, caves and a soft sand substrate.
Breeding
FishBase notes the species is oviparous with distinct pairing, reaches sexual maturity at roughly 9 cm, and makes sounds during spawning.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2009).
Breeding Mystus vittatus
Overview
Mystus vittatus, the striped dwarf catfish, is a bagrid of the family Bagridae reaching about 21 cm. FishBase records it across the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia. It is usually found among marginal vegetation in lakes and swamps with a mud substrate, in both standing and flowing waters, and is capable of facultative air-breathing. The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Sexing
FishBase gives length at first maturity at around 9 cm standard length. Reliable external sexing characters are not documented for this species in the consulted sources.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
FishBase classifies the species as oviparous, with distinct pairing possibly like other members of the family. A notable detail reported on Wikipedia is that these catfish are known to make sounds during spawning. Detailed spawning conditions, fecundity and egg data are not documented.
Common Challenges
Because there is no published aquarium spawning account and only fragmentary natural-history data, reproduction cannot be planned around a verified method.