Care
The Striped Mystus Catfish is known from a variety of different habitats; from the calm waters of lakes and swamps to flowing river waters. Here these bagrids take shelter in marginal vegetation, often forming large shoals as they forage. This species requires a spacious aquarium with a soft sand substrate. There should be plenty of hiding places/visual barriers amongst driftwood, rocky caves, PVC pipes/flowerpots, and robust planting. The more hiding places that are provided, the more the catfish are likely to venture out and about, as they will get to know they have safe places to quickly retreat to if they feel the need. Dim lighting is preferred, but this can be brighter if it is diffused with broad leaved plants or floating vegetation. A blue moon light timed to come on just before the main lights switch off will provide you with time in the evening to watch the nocturnal antics of this catfish under its preferred subdued conditions. Filtration should be efficient, with areas of moderate water movement along with some quieter resting spots out of the current. These fish are not overly territorial and are best housed in groups of 5 or more. Tankmates should be chosen with care, as small fish may be at risk of being eaten. Good companions could include medium sized barbs, danionins, gouramis, rainbowfish, deep-bodied tetras etc, and large shoals of them may actually help to encourage the catfish out into view a little more. May also be seen on sale as the Asian Striped Catfish or Striped Dwarf Catfish.
Feeding
A bottom feeding species which should be offered a varied diet consisting of good quality sinking catfish pellets/granules, frozen foods such as bloodworm, white mosquito larvae, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, Mysis etc, as well as some vegetable matter.
Breeding
This species has not been bred in the home aquarium.
