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Nonn Panitvong (1) Jean-Francois Helias (2)

During the investigation of the identities of M. wolffii and M. armiger, it was noted that populations of “M. wolffii” from Indochina and the far northern portion of the Malay Peninsula displayed significant differences in head morphology from populations from the rest of Sundaic Southeast Asia. Further comparisons revealed other differences that suggested that the Indochinese population represented an unnamed species distinct from the Sundaic M. wolffii, and is now described as a new species, Mystus velifer. Aquarium Care: As most of this genera they can view smaller fish as prey. Keep either 3-5 specimens in a large tank with plants to the background. Substrate should be sand and provide hiding places with good filtration. Diet: Tablet and pellet foods. earthworms, live and frozen foods. Etymology: The genus name Mystus: "Mystax" meaning whiskered (hair on the upper lip) Mystus was first used by Belon in 1553 to describe all fish with whiskers. The specific name velifer: From the Latin adjective velifer, meaning sail bearing (Latin velum = sail and fero = to bear). The name refers to the relatively elongate first dorsal-fin ray of this species, a diagnostic character. Remarks: For more information consult the main reference.

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Bagridae

Asia: Known from the lower Mekong River drainage (upstream to the Tonlé Sap) westwards and southwards to Songkhla Lake in Peninsula Thailand. This includes the majority of river drainages debouching into the Gulf of Thailand such as the lower Bang Pakong, Chao Phraya, Mae Khlong and Tapi river drainages. Type locality: Cambodia, Kompong Thom Province, Tonlé Sap at exit to Great Lake, 4 km NW of Chhnok Trou, at Kompong Thom fishing lot 2.

7.0cm (2¾ins)

23-27°C (73-81°F)

6.5-7.0.

Ng, H.H. 2012: Mystus velifer, a new species of catfish from Indochina (Teleostei: Bagridae). Zootaxa, 3398: 58-68.