Order Siluriformes
Family Bagridae
Continued…
Genus Mystus
Synonyms of the genus: Macrones and Sperata. Mystus species inhabit water bodies of South (Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka) and Southeast Asia. Several Mystus species (M. vittatus, M. tengara, M. bleekeri, M. cavasius) look very similar to each other, especially at an early age. These fish are active swimmers. Vegetation will be destroyed by them. They are prone to jumping.
— Kerala Mystus — Mystus armatus [Day, 1865]. Synonym: Aoria, Hypselobagrus, Macrones armatus. Burma, Bangladesh. 15 cm. Bronze with a greenish sheen on the body, belly light. Fins reddish-brown, with a black spot at the caudal base. Very long black barbels on the sides of the upper jaw, reaching the tail. Males are slimmer than females.
Aquarium with plenty of hiding places among driftwood and rocks. Sandy substrate is used for these catfishes. These catfishes should not be kept with small fish that can fit in their mouths, as such will become part of their diet. Fed a varied diet that includes pellets, tablets, good flakes, frozen bloodworms. pH 6.2-7.5; T 22-26°C.
— Hi Fin Mystus — Mystus bocourti [BIeeker, 1864]. Synonyms: Heterobagrus bocourti, Prajadhipokia rex. (English: Hi Fin Mystus, King Bagrid, Silver Lancer). Thailand. 18 cm. Bluish-grey with a brown crest on the head and back. The dorsal fin is very long, making up more than a third of the body length. Aquarium from 250 liters. Very secretive, driftwood and roots are needed for hiding places. Likes clean water and high water flow. Grows slowly [2-3 cm per year], no intraspecific aggression, so it is better to keep them in a group. pH 6.5-7.2; T 22-25°C.
— Asian Upside Down Catfish — Mystus leucophasis [Blyth, 1860]. Synonym: Heterobagrus leucophasis. 25 cm. Three pairs of barbels. The upper lobe of the caudal fin is elongated, up to 3 cm in length. It is black or olive-green with scattered small white or silver spots along the sides. Silver spots can be numerous, and as it grows, it will appear as if it is lightly dusted with flour. From a distance, the fish appears completely black.
Extremely hardy. These fish need to be provided with hiding places, especially various driftwood where they can rest upside down. During the day it is not visible, as at this time of day it stays in secluded places of the aquarium, under driftwood and in grottoes, and the catfish swims out of them only at night. If you turn on the light in the room at this moment, it rushes like lightning to its hiding place, sweeping everything in its path. Its method of moving around the aquarium is interesting – the catfish constantly swims belly up. Vegetation will be completely destroyed.
Fairly aggressive. An active predator, small and slow fish will be eaten, so large fish capable of standing up for themselves must be chosen as tank mates. Upside-down catfishes can be kept singly or in a company, however, sometimes they can sort things out among themselves, but this usually does not lead to serious injuries. In a group, you should have only one male and several females.
Water parameters are not overly important for this variety, but should be soft and neutral. Appreciates good water flow, water needs to be changed for fresh water. Effective aeration and filtration should be organized in the aquarium. They should be fed only large foods: tadpoles, shrimps, small fish; over time they get used to tablets and pellets. They grow very not recommended for beginners. pH 7.5; dH 5-25; T 23-27°C.
Mystus micracanthus, Mystus pulcher, Mystus tengara, Mystus vittatus.
Hyalobagrus flavus, Pseudomystus siamensis, stenomus, Tachysurus fulvidraco. 
Last changes and additions made on October 6, 2012.
