Mystus rhegma
Classification
Bagridae
Distribution
Laos, Thailand and Cambodia.
Habitat
It inhabits rivers and flooded areas, including fields.
Maximum Standard Length
4.8″ (12cm).
Aquarium SizeTop ↑
36″ x 12″ x 12″ (90cm x 30cm x 30cm) – 80 litres.
Maintenance
The decor used is not critical but the fish must be provided with some hiding places. Long-leaved plants such as Vallisneria would simulate one of its natural habitats. You will see it more often if the surface is covered in floating plants to cut down the light reaching the substrate.
Water Conditions
Temperature: 71-79°F (22-26°C)
pH: 6.5-7.5
Hardness: 8-15°H
Diet
Like most of its congeners, M. rhegma is an unfussy feeder accepting most small live, frozen and dried foods. Try to keep the diet varied.
Behaviour and CompatibilityTop ↑
A peaceful and gregarious species but it will probably eat small fish when adult. It makes a good bottom dweller for communities of larger peaceful fish, such as larger rasboras, barbs, anabantoids and peaceful cichlids. It can be kept in a small group in a suitably large tank.
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 ↑
An irregular import and little is known about it’s natural behaviour. It is however an ideal peaceful catfish for larger communities and as with many other bagrids, is somewhat underrated in the hobby.
