striped dwarf catfish
Cat-eLog Data SheetScientific NameMystus vittatus (Bloch, 1794)Common NamesAsian Striped Catfish
Indian Streifenwels (Germany), Pyjama Striped Catfish, Stribet Malle (Denmark), Striped Dwarf CatfishType LocalityTranquebar [Tharangambadi], India.Synonym(s)Macrones vittatus, Silurus vittatusPronunciationmiss tuss - vee TATT ussEtymologyThe 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. From the Latin vittatus, meaning decorated with a ribbon; in reference to the striped pattern of the fish. Species InformationSize210mm or 8.3" SL. Find near, nearer or same sized spp.IdentificationFishes of the genus Mystus Scopoli are small to medium-sized bagrid catfishes occurring in South Asia. Roberts (1994) recognized Mystus to have an elongate cranial fontanel reaching up to the base of the occipital process, long maxillary barbel, very long adipose fin, 11–30 gill rakers on the first gill arch and 37–46 total vertebrae, about equally divided between abdominal and caudal regions. He included only eight species under the genus. Mo (1991) characterized the genus to have a thin needle-like first infraorbital, twisted and thickened metapterygoid loosely attached to the quadrate by means of ligament or a small extent of cartilage. Jayaram & Sanyal (2003) and Ferraris (2007) respectively listed 44 and 33 species of Mystus as valid.
Easily distinguished by the presence of 4-5 pale blue to brown longitudinal stripes on the body, the presence of the humeral spot, and a moderately long adipose fin.SexingMales have an elongate genital papilla in front of the anal fin. Habitat InformationDistributionAsia: Indian subcontinent, including Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh and probably Myanmar. Reported from Malaysia, Laos, Bhutan, Viet Nam and Cambodia. May have been confused with other Mystus.
Indian waters (click on these areas to find other species found there)
Pakistan Waters (click on these areas to find other species found there)
Nepal Waters (click on these areas to find other species found there)
Bangladesh Waters (click on these areas to find other species found there)
Sri Lanka Waters (click on these areas to find other species found there)
Log in to view data on a map.IUCN Red List CategoryLeast Concern, range map and more is available on the IUCN species page. Last assessed 2009.pH6.0 - 7.4Temperature22.0-28.0°C or 71.6-82.4°F (Show species within this range) Husbandry InformationFeedingEasily adapts to a wide variety of frozen and prepared food in the aquarium. May eat very small fish. User data.FurnitureThe tank should be furnished with ample driftwood and rocks.CompatibilityCompatible with most fishes, although very small fishes will be eaten. Ideal tankmates include larger barbs and rasboras in an Asian biotope setup.
This species is not overtly territorial, so more than one can be kept together.BreedingNot reported in captivity.