Page 136 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

134 FRESHWATER FISH DIRECTORY

Auchenoglanis occidentalis Pseudomystus siamensis Mystus vittatus
Giraffe Catfish Asian Bumblebee Catfish Banded Mystus

ORIGINS Africa, in the Nile, Congo, and Niger Rivers, plus ORIGINS Southeast Asia, occurring in both Thailand and ORIGINS Asia, occurring in parts of India, Myanmar
Lake Tanganyika, Lake Chad, and others. Cambodia (Kampuchea). (Burma), and Nepal, plus Thailand and Malaysia.
SIZE 18 in (45 cm). SIZE 8 in (20 cm). SIZE 8 in (20 cm).
DIET Prepared catfish foods and live foods. DIET Prepared catfish foods, algae, and live foods. DIET Prepared catfish foods and live foods.
WATER Temperature 70–77°F (21–25°C); soft to hard WATER Temperature 68–77°F (20–25°C); soft to hard WATER Temperature 72–82°F (22–28°C); soft to hard
(50–300 mg/l) and acidic to alkaline (pH 6.5–7.5). (50–300 mg/l) and acidic to alkaline (pH 6.5–7.5). (50–300 mg/l) and acidic to alkaline (pH 6.0–7.5).
TEMPERAMENT Not to be trusted with smaller fish. TEMPERAMENT Not social. TEMPERAMENT Reasonably peaceful.
The distinctive soft, mottled, brown-and-white Black blotch on each Stripes running horizontally down the sides of the
patterning of this catfish resembles that of a caudal fin lobe body help to identify this catfish, which also has
giraffe. The actual markings may vary between long barbels and a blackish spot behind the gills.
individuals, with several dark dots apparent on Banded Mystus are lively during the day and
both sides of the body. The Giraffe Catfish is can be kept safely with other fish of similar size.
active during the day, when it searches the When mating, the pair utter sounds resembling
substrate for edible items. It requires a fine floor tweeting birds, and the large eggs are laid among
covering, bogwood for retreats, and spacious aquatic vegetation. Unfortunately, breeding in
accommodation in view of its likely adult size. A coloration of light and dark bands characterizes aquarium surroundings is uncommon.
Successful aquarium breeding is very unlikely. these Asian catfish, which have relatively short
barbels and a tubular body shape. They do not
Sail-like live well together, especially once mature, and
dorsal fin
are best housed individually. Asian Bumblebees are
nocturnal by nature, so try to incorporate a variety
of suitable retreats into their aquarium. They are
quite adaptable in terms of their water chemistry
needs—they even occur in brackish waters in
parts of their range—but avoid making sudden
changes, which will be stressful for the fish.

Mystus nigriceps
PROTECTIVE FIN RAYS
Two-Spot Catfish peduncle. The body is pinkish, and in healthy fish
there is a golden hue around the black spot behind Many catfish of the Bagridae family, and
ORIGINS Southeast Asia, extending from Thailand to the gill cover. These active fish can be housed with some members of other families, too, are
the islands of Java, Sumatra, and Borneo. their own kind, or with placid fish of a similar size, protected by sharp rays on their dorsal fins,
SIZE 6 in (15 cm). but smaller companions are likely to be eaten.Two- which can be locked in an upright position.
DIET Prepared catfish foods, algae, and live foods. Spots prefer live foods, and will comb the floor of The small ray at the front of this fin is not
WATER Temperature 68–77°F (20–25°C); soft to hard the aquarium seeking edible items, such as worms. conspicuous, but it plays a vital part in this
(50–200 mg/l) and acidic to alkaline (pH 6.5–7.8). They require relatively clear areas in their tank for process. When under threat, the catfish
TEMPERAMENT Relatively social. swimming, as well as an efficient filtration system. immediately raises its dorsal fin, causing this
Breeding is unusual, but placing several females ray to hold the longer second ray upright.
The Two-Spot can be differentiated from the (recognizable by their plumper appearance) in with With this defensive mechanism in place, the
Banded Mystus (see top right) by the a male and lowering the water temperature to 68°F catfish is harder for a predator to swallow.
presence of a dark spot on the caudal (20°C) may trigger spawning behavior. With luck, the catfish may be spat out largely
unharmed, allowing it to swim away to safety.

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