Mystus leucophasis

DimerusMan · Post by **DimerusMan** » 05 Jan 2004, 05:14

This is my first post here, and already I have to confess a stupid mistake. Today I bought a small 1 1/2" jet black upside down cat that I wanted for my South American Cichlid breeder tank (Cichlasoma dimerus), thinking it was a Synodontis sp. But, after researching here, I found out it is Mystus leucophasis - and noone seems to have a good opinion of this guy, at least as far as temperment and compatibility is concerned. My question is: is he going to cause problems in a tank with a breeder pair of dimerus (4.5" & 6") , two 3" plecos, and a small colony of Corys? Thanks, Lou

Post by **Silurus** » 05 Jan 2004, 11:33

This really depends on the individual temperament of the fish. Despite what has been said about M. leucophasis, some individuals are not really that aggressive, especially if they are housed in a large enough tank.
That said, I don't think the corys would eventually make it with the Mystus in the tank.

DimerusMan · Post by **DimerusMan** » 05 Jan 2004, 18:24

Thanks, I was afraid of that. Could you recommend another similar species to replace the Mystus? I guess a Synodontus would be the best bet, but maybe there is another I'm unaware of?

Chrysichthys · Post by **Chrysichthys** » 07 Jan 2004, 15:27

I would follow the advice of the venerable philosopher Status Quo and just wait and see what happens.

astasny · Post by **astasny** » 12 Jan 2004, 18:54

I have one in my tank. I have a 125 african cichlid tank. My friend gave him to me because they had a 20 gallon and he was to aggresive for her mellow tank. I didn't think first of all with the ph change he would live. Well, he has survived just fine and is about 9inches long now. He is not to aggressive...stays to himself most of the time. I have a lot of mixed cichlids with many breeders and most babies seem to survive. We like him. He is really pretty.

UnderWedge · Post by **UnderWedge** » 02 Feb 2004, 20:30

DimerusMan,

I have had nothing but good luck with my Mystus leucophasis. I have 3 that are about 6 inches long and they live with much larger fish. They will eat any fish that will fit in their mouth. I feed mine guppies and rosies. In the past I have noticed that they will constantly bother a new fish (such as a 10" c*****d) for a few days then leave it be. They have survived extreme ph swings and come alive when the lights go out.

Mystus leucophasis

Mystus leucophasis

upside down catfish