TankBud

Two-spot catfish

Mystus bimaculatus

Also known as Two-spot mystus, Pyjama mystus, Sumatran Two Spot Cat

FreshwaterFish

Two-spot catfish (Mystus bimaculatus)
The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature
72–81°F
22–27°C
pH
6.0–7.5
Adult size
4.7 in
12 cm
Minimum tank
30 gal
114 L
Temperament
Peaceful
Social behavior
Social
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Bottom
Difficulty
Easy
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Common
Family
Bagridae
Origin
Native to Sumatra and Borneo in Southeast Asia.

Overview

The two-spot catfish is a small bagrid for the bottom of a calm community tank. It is easy to keep and a good first catfish.

Did you know

Unlike most bagrid catfish, which prefer to go it alone, the two-spot catfish is a true shoaler. It looks its best moving through the tank in a loose group.

Caring for the two-spot catfish

Keep two-spot catfish in a group of five or more, where they are far more active and confident. A group is comfortable in 30 gal (114 L) or more, with soft sand, driftwood and floating plants for shade. They are most active in low light and shelter in cover by day.

Give them soft water at 72 to 81°F (22 to 27°C), with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5 and gentle flow. Feed sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm and other small meaty foods.

Two-spot catfish are peaceful and suit a soft-water community with tetras, rasboras and other calm fish. They mostly ignore tank mates, though they may snap up the tiniest fry. Breeding is not documented in aquariums.

Good to know

Mystus bimaculatus is a small bagrid with a reddish to pinkish body and long, slender barbels. It carries one dark spot on the shoulder and another on the tail base. The trade also sells it as the two-spot mystus.

In the wild

The two-spot catfish comes from soft, slightly acidic streams of Sumatra and Borneo, often stained with tannins. It forages over the bottom among wood and leaf litter.

Common questions

What size tank does a two-spot catfish need?

A two-spot catfish needs at least 30 gal (114 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH does a two-spot catfish need?

A two-spot catfish is comfortable at 72–81°F (22–27°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.

What does a two-spot catfish eat?

A two-spot catfish eats sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm and other small meaty foods.

How big does a two-spot catfish get?

An adult two-spot catfish reaches about 4.7 in (12 cm).

Related species