Hello. Newb on this forum but seems to be the place where i was meant to be I was recently visiting a LFS when i ran across a group of Cats ive never seen so they caught my eye. labled as assorted cats however priced very reasonably i decided to do some research and withought a doubt are Mystus Vittatus (Asian striped Catfish) The size profile on the Cat E log meets the parameters of the new edition ive been looking for ( 8-10") adult size. Im curious if anyone can offer any more information reguarding this fish as the E log was very limited in information for this specific fish. He would hopefully Become the new tankmate of my lovely asian bumblebee and 2 midsize cichlids and 4 green tigerbarbs in an 58 gal oceanic with all fish being juviniles so his small size would not be a concern. however the asians in the LFS are not being cared for very well so he would first go into the 20 gal hospital for some 1-1 tlc Anything that can be offered would be a great help as from what i have found out already seems that he would fit nicely and am looking forward to the purchase.
There are actually several species of striped <i>Mystus</i> sold as <i>M. vittatus</i>. The good news is that almost all reach more or less the same size (I say almost all because <i>M. tengara</i> is a much smaller species sometimes sold as <i>M. vittatus</i>).
Relatively easy fish to keep and peaceful with tankmates of approximately the same size or bigger. In time to come, it might grow large enough to harrass (but probably not eat) the tiger barbs though.
What kind of cichlids have you got? Some of them don't play nice with catfish.
Yes i have considered the barb issue but they are there for movement mostly and would not be a big loss if they were eaten but like you said itswdoubtful they would have a very easy time catching one or eating one which is why i chose them. the 2 others are juveniles, firemouth and Blue acara. not very worried with the acara as he is very peaceful and does not antagonize anyone from what ive seen. The firemouth however felt the need to "attempt" to harass my bumblebee when he was added but was quickly put into check and has since kept his fins to himsel. All in all have not had any problems. In my experience ive never worried much about my cats as they have proven to be able to give as good as they get and earn the respect of other fish with attitude problems. Also the fish was not labled at the LFS. I identified him through the E log and is a dead on match to the juveniles pictured (just skinnier ) but that will be remedied in time. Thanks.
OK after some further digging into the topic i see what you must have meant by mentioning mystus tengara. I have found some information reguarding this fish and they are virtually identical ( By the poor quality blurry pics i found) except the Tengara gets to be about 6 inches as the vittatus being 8. I could not get very clear images of the fish as juviniles is there any distinguishing traits that i would be able to tell the difference between the two. Just for my own knowledge It really will not affect my buying decision as they both seem to get roughly the same size give or take an inch or 2.
Actually, <i>M. tengara</i> is a true dwarf species that does not exceed 4 inches. The identification of striped <i>Mystus</i> is terribly difficult, but <i>M. tengara</i> is generally a more golden-yellow in color, while <i>M. vittatus</i> is more of a steely-blue color.
I'm tentatively using the name <i>M. tengara</i> for the dwarf species since the taxonomy of these things are terribly confused.
Agreed terribly confusing lol. Ok i think it is a Vittatus from your description as there isnt much golden yellow about it mostly a metallic silver with the striped pattern and the dark spot behind the gill cover. But i gues time will tell if i choose to purchase it. I was actually on a search for a chrysichthys ornatus when i found this so i will have to choose to wait or pick this one up. I only want 1 more medium cat in this tank as i dont like to crowed my fish. BTW off the topic if i chose to resume my search for the ornate im not havingt much luck locating anybody that orders these. are they extremely hard to come by? Also is there any reliable dealers that i can order one from online or is that not recommended? I have never got fish that way. sorry this last part probibally belongs in the african section reguarding the ornatus.
I don't want to digress too much, but <i>Chrysichthys ornatus</i> is not all that rare (although a bit hard to come by sometimes). You can buy online or mail order (I know someone who may be able to help), but you might end up paying more in shipping than for the fish.
Well i do beleive i will hold out and stick to the original plan keep being patient. If i acted on impulse i would end up overcrowding my tank because i could not resist the Ornatus when it becomes available. Thank you very much for the information. I have learned so much just reading this website and forum. I now refer to my fish by there scientific names
Hello. Newb on this forum but seems to be the place where i was meant to be 
I was recently visiting a LFS when i ran across a group of Cats ive never seen so they caught my eye. labled as assorted cats 
however priced very reasonably i decided to do some research and withought a doubt are Mystus Vittatus (Asian striped Catfish) The size profile on the Cat E log meets the parameters of the new edition ive been looking for ( 8-10") adult size. Im curious if anyone can offer any more information reguarding this fish as the E log was very limited in information for this specific fish. He would hopefully Become the new tankmate of my lovely asian bumblebee and 2 midsize cichlids and 4 green tigerbarbs in an 58 gal oceanic with all fish being juviniles so his small size would not be a concern. however the asians in the LFS are not being cared for very well so he would first go into the 20 gal hospital for some 1-1 tlc 
Anything that can be offered would be a great help as from what i have found out already seems that he would fit nicely and am looking forward to the purchase.
) but that will be remedied in time. Thanks.