| | Scientific Name Mystus bimaculatusVolz, 1904
Common Name Two Spot Catfish
Type Locality Sumatra
Pronunciation MIST uss - by mack ewe LATT uss
Etymology The generic name is probably derived from the Latin mystax, meaning moustache, in reference to the long barbels. It was first used by Scopoli in 1777 making it a very old genus that has included many catfishes from throughout the world at one time or another.
bi = two, maculatus = spotted in reference to the dark shoulder spot and the dark marking on the caudal peduncle.
Species Information
Size
39mm ( 1.56" ) SL
Notes on ID Easily identified by its overall red-brown body and two dark markings on the shoulder and caudal peduncle. These markings are surrounded by lighter coloration.
Sexing Males possess a genital papilla just for of the anal fin. The genital papilla look like an extra unattached fin ray. Amongst groups of healthy mature specimens the females are more robust, especially when gravid.
Habitat Information
Distribution Known only from peat swamps in Sumatra. The natural habitat of this fish is facing serious pressures from man.
Temperature
23 - 32° C
pH
4 - 5.5
Other Water Parameters To reflect the natural habitat, the tank should imitate a blackwater environment with soft, warm, and acidic water. That said, these very adaptable catfish will thrive even in medium hard water with a near neutral pH.
" Furniture" For a true biotope, the substrate should consist of about 1/ 2 inch of peat. Place numerous pieces of driftwood about the tank to create hiding places and use lots of floating plants. These fish are also very happy in heavily planted tanks. The most important furniture is driftwood, rocks, or other structures that provide caves for the fish to hide in.
Husbandry
Feeding Luckily, they are happy to eat most aquarium foods. Dry foods 4-5 days a week with frozen or live foods 2-3 times per week is fine for normal maintenance. Reverse this ratio when attempting captive reproduction.
Compatibility These wonderful fish get along with most tankmates. When properly fed, they very rarely attempt to eat even the fry of other fishes. Ideal tankmates would be Pearl Gouramis, Krytopterus catfish, and blackwater Rasbora spp.
Breeding So far only successful with hormone injections. These fish are commercially produced in the far East and Russia. Breeding these fish would be a very worthwhile attempt for an advanced hobbyist. Maintain the fish alone in the biotope setup described above. When the females are gravid, begin daily large water changes with distilled or R.O. water that is slightly cooler than the temperature of the aquarium. The eggs should be scattered in the peat substrate where they will be protected from the hungry parents. | | |
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