Mystus multiradiatus

Scientific name: Mystus multiradiatus

Common name: N/A

Family: Bagridae

Usual size in fish tanks: 10 - 13 cm (3.94 - 5.12 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 6.5 - 7.3

Recommended water hardness: 6 - 15°N (107.14 - 267.86ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 23 - 26 °C (73.4 - 78.8°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Southeast Asia

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

General Information

Mystus multiradiatus is a small striped bagrid catfish native to Southeast Asia, recorded from the Mekong, Chao Phraya and possibly Mae Khlong basins. It inhabits rivers and streams and often associates with woody structure along the margins. Typical aquarium adults are around 10–12 cm, with wild maxima reported to ~12.8 cm SL. A crepuscular–nocturnal forager, it does best with ample cover and gentle flow.

Food and Feeding

An opportunistic benthic omnivore leaning carnivorous. Provide sinking catfish pellets or wafers as the staple; rotate small live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, blackworms, brine shrimp, daphnia and finely chopped earthworms. Offer evening feedings so this shy species isn’t outcompeted by diurnal tankmates. It will attempt to swallow very small fish or shrimp fry—choose companions accordingly.

Sexing

External dimorphism is subtle. Mature females are typically fuller-bodied when gravid; otherwise sexes look similar in routine observation.

Breeding

Oviparous egg-layer. No reliable home-aquarium spawnings are documented for this species. In nature and related Mystus, reproduction is seasonal; some commercial production within the genus uses hormone induction. If attempting, use very clean, well-oxygenated water, abundant cover, and condition on live foods—success remains unlikely.

Lifespan

Expect around 5–8 years with cool, clean, well-oxygenated water and consistent feeding; larger catfishes in this family often exceed 5 years under good care.

Tank Requirements & Water Parameters

Footprint & décor: prioritize bottom area; add driftwood tangles, roots, tubes/caves, and leaf litter for daytime refuge. Smooth sand or fine gravel substrate.
Water: pH ~6.5–7.3, hardness ~6–15 °dH, temperature 23–26 °C. Keep oxygenation high and parameters stable.
Flow & filtration: gentle–moderate current; robust biofiltration and regular maintenance (25–35% weekly) to keep organics low.
Cover: dim lighting or shaded areas help reduce skittishness and encourage natural foraging.

Compatibility & Tank Mates

Generally peaceful with similarly sized fish, but a predator of bite-sized tankmates. Keep with medium small to medium companions (larger rasboras/barbs, peaceful cichlids, robust tetras) that won’t nip barbels and won’t fit in its mouth. Conspecific groups are possible if space, hides and food access are adequate.

Behaviour & Usual Place in the Tank

Bottom levels (demersal): rests under/within structure by day; becomes active from dusk into night, patrolling near the substrate and around wood for invertebrates and organic matter.

Short Description

Mystus multiradiatus is a Southeast Asian striped bagrid catfish from the Mekong–Chao Phraya drainages. Provide a shaded, wood-rich layout, sinking meaty foods, and stable soft-to-medium water. Peaceful with similar-sized tankmates, but will prey on very small fish and fry; captive breeding is unreported.

Q&A

South Asia or Southeast Asia? Southeast Asia. Verified from the Mekong, Chao Phraya and possibly Mae Khlong basins; records from India/Pakistan etc. refer to other Mystus species.
How big does it get? Commonly 10–12 cm in aquaria; FishBase lists a maximum of 12.8 cm SL in the wild.
Is it community-safe? With appropriately sized, peaceful fish, yes—but it will eat very small tankmates, especially at night.