Mystus bimaculatus

[WhistlingBadger]

Howdy, catfish people. I'm new here, Tom from Wyoming.

I am gradually converting my 55 gallon community tank into a "regional" tank using fish and plants from southern/eastern Asia. I keep hearing about two-spot catfish, and I am interested in learning about them. They seem fairly difficult to find (especially in Wyoming!), and there seems to be some contradictory information about them.

How big to they really get? (I've read everything from 2" to 6") Do they need to be kept in groups, or are they OK flying solo? How predatory are they? How many could I keep in a 55g without overcrowding them? I have read that they are a blackwater fish...how fussy are they in regards to water specifications? (My water is very clean, ph 7, medium hardness)

Any firsthand info out there would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Tom

[jimoo]

This link should be of assistance:

Mystus bimaculatus

Welcome and good luck.

[Viktor Jarikov]

M. bimaculatus is a good guess but I'd think we need your target fish's scientific name.

[star4]

I have 4 of these little guys, I did start off with 7 they are easy to keep (just make sure you get them from a good shop) I have had mine now about 3 years and they are 4". They are really fast hunting, I was told that I could keep adult rummy nose tetra with them, but no the tetra disappeared rapidly. They are quite shy and like a lot of places to hide, under wood etc, they do not dig up plants (well mine dont). Although most information on these tell you to keep them as a group they do not actually stay together in the tank, they prefer to have their own area to call their own, but they do not fight. Feeding wise they will take just about anything, frozen foods, bloodworm, krill, mysis, chopped prawn, dry foods, catfish pellet etc so not fussy.

Hope this helps.

[Viktor Jarikov]

Great post, mate! Post pics if you will, please.

[star4]

I hope this works







male


Before they went in the tank



It is a shame I so rarely see them

[Shovelnose]

Colour me green!!! If importing fish were even possible where I live, this species would be among the top three on my list. I am guessing they will colour up more if kept in black water.

[medaka]

I picked up a male and two females around 10 days ago.
These are one of my favorite small bagrids. I would have missed them entirely if it was not for Neil pointing them out to me as they were in the top tanks.
Yes they do hide away a bit but once settled in they will always come out for food, nice to watch. Other than that I can't add much to what as already been 'said'.

Has, any one managed to spawn these?

[Shane]

The only spawning I am aware of used hormones. I have the article in my files and can get you a citation if needed.
-Shane

[medaka]

Hi Shane

I have the article in my files and can get you a citation if needed.

I would appreciate a copy my friend.