Catfish Orca reddish

Catfish Reddish killer whale, scientific name Mystus nigriceps, belongs to the family Bagridae (Orcas). The fish has been known in the hobby hobbyist for many years, but was erroneously referred to as Mystus micracanthus until the 1940s. The catfish is native to Southeast Asia. It is found throughout the vast Mekong River basin in mainland Malaysia and Indonesia.

Description

Adults reach a length of no more than 19 cm. In aquariums, it grows less, about 15 cm. The color of the body has a reddish tint with a pattern of two large black spots. The first is located behind the gills, the second – at the base of the tail.

Behavior and Compatibility

It has a peaceful disposition, is not aggressive and does not show territorial behavior. It gets along well with other species of comparable size. Prefers to be in the company of relatives.

It is worth remembering that due to its gastronomic characteristics (illegibility in food), the reddish killer whale catfish can accidentally eat smaller neighbors in the aquarium. For this reason, any fish that can fit in his mouth will be in danger.

Brief information:

• The volume of the aquarium – from 250 liters.
• Temperature – 20-26°C
• Value pH — 6.0–7.0
• Water hardness – 5–19 dGH
• Substrate type – any
• Lighting – subdued
• Brackish water – no
• Water movement – little or no
• The size of the fish is up to 19 cm.
• Food – any sinking food
• Temperament – peaceful
• Content – a group of 3-4 individuals

Maintenance and care, arrangement of the aquarium

The optimal size of the aquarium for 3-4 catfish starts from 250 liters. Not picky about the conditions of detention, if they are in the acceptable range of hydrochemical parameters and temperatures. The format also doesn’t matter. However, according to the observation of some aquarists, rooting plants with a weak bark system can be uprooted. As a rule, this happens while searching for food in the bottom layer.

Food

Omnivorous species. It is unpretentious in the choice of food, will eat everything that it finds at the bottom. As noted above, smaller fish and fry can also get into the diet.