The body of Mystus
bimaculatus is generally described as being torpedo, cigar
shaped or moderately elongated. The nostrils are described as being
well separated. There are four pairs of barbels, two pairs of mandibular
barbels, one pair of maxillary barbels and one pair of nasal barbels.
All of the barbels are described as being long with the nasal barbels
extending beyond the eyes and the maxillary barbels extending beyond
the base of the anal fin. The adipose fin is described as being
much longer than the base of the anal fin starting directly behind
the dorsal fin and extending almost to the base of the caudal fin.
Aquarium Care: Wherever possible
It is to be recommended that the aquarist keep these catfish in
a community aquarium in small groups of six or more, but as the
absolute minimum three specimens assuming that they are available
in these numbers. These catfish should not be kept with fish small
enough to fit inside their mouths as they would soon form part of
their diet. Ideal tank mates would include fish such as pearl gourami’s,
golden barbs and Odessa barbs to name but a few. In their natural
habitat they would be found in relatively large shoals.
