Mystus singaringan

Classification

Bagridae

Distribution

Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia.

Habitat

It lives in slow-moving parts of rivers, migrating into flooded areas of forests during the wet season. It is usually found over soft substrates.

Maximum Standard Length

12″ (30cm).

Aquarium SizeTop ↑

48″ x 18″ x 18″ (120cm x 45cm x 45cm) – 240 litres.

Maintenance

The decor used is not critical but the fish must be provided with some hiding places. Driftwood pieces arranged to form shelters, flowerpots and lengths of pvc piping can all be used. You will see it more often if the surface is covered in floating plants to cut down the light reaching the substrate. The substrate itself should ideally be soft and sandy.

Water Conditions

Temperature: 72-81°F (22-27°C)

pH: 5.6-7.0

Hardness: 1-12°H

Diet

Like most other Mystus, M. singaringan is an unfussy feeder accepting most small live, frozen and dried foods. Try to keep the diet varied.

Behaviour and CompatibilityTop ↑

A somewhat robust species that can be territorial and aggressive depending on the temperament of the specimen. It should therefore not be housed with other territorial bottom dwellers. It will also eat smaller fish. However, it can be kept successfully with bigger fish including larger barbs such as tinfoil or lemon-finned, Apollo sharks and large cichlids. It is usually intolerant of it’s own kind and only one should be kept unless the tank is very large.

Sexual Dimorphism

Males possess quite a long genital papilla located just in front of the anal fin.

Reproduction

Not thought to have been achieved in aquaria.

NotesTop ↑

This large Mystus is not often seen in the hobby. It makes a fine bottom dweller for communities containing other robust species. It is used as a food fish in many of it’s native countries.