Edit Mystacoleucus argenteus

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Name

Scientific name

Mystacoleucus argenteus

Described by

Authority Day, Year 1888, Bracketed

Family

Cyprinidae

Common names

Not recorded

Photograph credits

All 4 credited

Summary

Mystacoleucus argenteus is a cyprinid from the Salween and middle Irrawaddy basins in Myanmar and western Thailand. It is occasionally mark…

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

140mm, standard length

Aquarium size

Minimum length 120 cm, Minimum depth 45 cm

Water

Water conditions

Temperature 20–27°C, pH 6–7.5

Hardness

2–15dGH

Conductivity

Not recorded

Behaviour

Temperament

Peaceful

Community suitability

Community-safe

Where it lives

Countries, regions, rivers and lakes

Myanmar, Thailand, Ayeyarwady, Salween

Writing

Etymology

Mystacoleucus: from the Ancient Greek μύσταξ (mústaks), meaning 'upper lip, moustache', and the generic name Leuciscina, which is not currently in use. argente…

Distribution

Has been collected from the lower Salween River basin in southern China (Yunnan province), Myanmar and western Thailand (Mae Hong Song and Tak provinces), and …

Habitat

We have been unable to obtain any specific information but given the type of habitat favoured by other members of the genus it almost certainly inhabits clear,…

Aquarium size

An aquarium with base dimensions of 120 ∗ 45 cm or equivalent should be the minimum size considered.

Maintenance

Choice of décor is not as critical as water quality and the amount of open swimming-space provided but this species is perhaps best-suited to an environment re…

Water conditions

Not written yet

Diet

Likely to be a generalised omnivore in nature. Stomach contents analyses of the congener M. obtusirostris revealed it to feed on insects, crustaceans, worms, a…

Behaviour and compatibility

Not aggressive but can upset slow-moving or timid tankmates with its vigorous behaviour, especially when feeding, so is best maintained alongside robust, simil…

Not aggressive but can upset slow-moving or timid tankmates with its vigorous behaviour, especially when feeding, so is best maintained alongside robust, similarly-sized tankmates, especially cyprinids, loaches and other riverine fishes.

If you wish to maintain a Salween-themed community inhabitants could include Devario aequipinnatus, Rasbora daniconius, Botia histrionica, B. rostrata, Syncrossus berdmorei, Puntius chola, Pethia stoliczkana, and various Schistura spp. As always when selecting a compatible community of fish proper research is essential, however.

This species exists in schools in the wild and a group of six or more should be the smallest considered.

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Where does this come from?

My own experienceFor example, I've kept twelve in a planted 60 cm tank since March 2024.A website I sawFor example, an IUCN Red List assessment, a museum catalogue or a FishBase page.A paperFor example, Marshall et al. (2011), Water temperature differences in interfluvial palm swamp habitats of Paracheirodon axelrodi and P. simulans.A book, or something not onlineFor example, Tappin (2010), Rainbowfishes: their care and keeping in captivity.Something already on the pageFor example, the Behaviour and compatibility section already says this.

Web address

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DOI

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Title

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Authors

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Year

Journal or publisher

Pages

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Anything worth adding

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Sexual dimorphism

Sexually mature females are likely to be deeper-bodied than males.

Reproduction

Unrecorded.

Notes

This species is occasionally marketed as 'Burmese Rainbow Barb' in the ornamental trade, and can be told apart from the similar-looking congener M. obtusirostr…

References

3 on this profile

Name

Scientific name

Described by

Family

Common names

Photograph credits

Summary

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

Aquarium size

Water

Water conditions

Hardness

Conductivity

Behaviour

Temperament

Social needs

Community suitability

Where it lives

Countries, regions, rivers and lakes

Writing

Etymology

Distribution

Habitat

Aquarium size

Maintenance

Water conditions

Diet

Behaviour and compatibility

Sexual dimorphism

Reproduction

Notes

References

References