Mystus Mysticetus
📖 Overview
Facultative air-breathing in the genus ; Often found in mixed schools with M. multiradiatus which congregate around tree limbs and other solid objects, browsing the hard surfaces for zooplankton, aquatic insects, crustaceans and rotifers. Move into flooded forests during the rainy season and returns to rivers in November and December in the lower Mekong. Oviparous, distinct pairing possibly like other members of the same family . Marketed fresh or smoked on a skewer .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Anal soft rays: 13 - 15; Vertebrae: 34 - 37. Differs from all other species of Mystus in having eyes lateral, rather than dorsolateral, so that they are about equally visible viewed either from above or from below head (in other species eyes usually cannot be seen at all from directly below). Mouth nearly terminal, less downturned than in any other species of striped Mystus. Serrae of pectoral spine smaller and less erect than in any other striped Mystus. Adipose fin short but very high, originating far behind dorsal fin, its length about twice and its height slightly less than eye diameter. Gill rakers increase in number throughout life faster than in any other Mystus. The anal fin has slightly more rays (13-15) than other striped Mystus of Thailand (usually 12 or less), and its posterior border is distinctly falcate. Cranial fontanel extends posteriorly to about midway between level of posterior border of eye and base of supraoccipital process. Maxillary barbel extends posteriorly to beyond anal fin or to end of middle caudal fin rays . Side of body with 3 faint dark and 2 whitish stripes .: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Mystus Mysticetus is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Mystus Mysticetus is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Mystus Mysticetus is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; demersal; potamodromous . Tropical
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Mystus Mysticetus is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Mystus Mysticetus is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Mystus Mysticetus has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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