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Mystus nigriceps (Valenciennes, 1840)

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Relevant Information:

This species was available in aquarium circles without a scientific name until a connection was made to a description of Mystus micracanthus by the ichthyologist Bleeker, in 1846. The artist's impression at that time showed a catfish without any obvious markings, although another researcher in the early 1940s described it with two body spots. M. micracanthus is a junior synonym of M. nigriceps. Description: Fontanel confined to anterior half of head; long adipose fin separated from dorsal-fin base; over 40 gill rakers on lower arm of first arch. Reproduction: Oviparous, distinct pairing possibly like other members of the same family. Habitat: Found in lowland streams and peats. Adults occur in large rivers. Aquarium Care: Will prove to be predatory in the aquarium so pick tank mates carefully. Diet: Feeds on insect larvae and zooplankton. Etymology: nigri-, black; ceps, head, referring to its blackish head.

Common Name:

Twospot catfish

Synonyms:

Bagrus nigriceps, Bagrus micracanthus,

Family:

Bagridae

Distribution:

Southeast Asia: Java and southern Sumatra (Indonesia). Type locality: Java

Size:

30.0cm TL (12ins)

Temp:

22-27°C (71-81°F)

p.H.

6.0-7.0.

IUCN Red List

The species is relatively widely distributed in Java, and appears to be common where it occurs. It is considered Least Concern at present. However, there is a need for comprehensive surveys of Java's freshwater systems to ascertain the true status of its biodiversity (IUCN 2019).

Reference:

Ferraris, C.J. Jr., 2007. Checklist of catfishes, recent and fossil (Osteichthyes: Siluriformes), and catalogue of siluriform primary types. Zootaxa 1418:1-628.
Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2023. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication. www.fishbase.org, ( 06/2023 ).
Ng, H.H. 2019. Mystus nigriceps. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019.
Rainboth, W.J., 1996. Fishes of the Cambodian Mekong. FAO species identification field guide for fishery purposes. FAO, Rome, 265 p.

Family: Bagridae Back to Ident-A-Cat Click on Thumbnails

Mystus nigriceps
Line drawing

Mystus nigriceps

Mystus nigriceps
Dorsal view

Mystus nigriceps
Ventral view

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