Description:
The small gap between supra-occipital process and
basal bones of dorsal fin spine help visually differentiate
this species from the similar M.
atrifasciatus. It is
also distinguished from the similar M.
bleekeri by the much
less conspicuous and non-indented fontanel, and the
lack of dark tympanic spot. (Grant 2009). Habitat:
Adults inhabit rivers and streams. Often occur in
mixed schools with M.
mysticetus which
congregate around tree limbs and other solid objects,
browsing the hard surfaces for zooplankton, crustaceans,
aquatic insects and some plant debris. Move into the
flooded forest during the flood season. Reproduction:
Oviparous, distinct pairing possibly like other members
of the same family. 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 multiradiatus:
multi-, many; radiatus, rayed, referring to >40
gill rakers on first gill arch, more than any congener
known at the time except M. mysticetus.
Common
Name:
None
Synonyms:
None
Family:
Bagridae
Distribution:
Asia:
Mekong, Chao Phraya and perhaps Mekong basins.
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