How to Identify Striped Catfish

To identify Striped Catfish (Mystus vittatus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

The body is typically silvery-grey to yellowish-brown, adorned with 3-5 prominent dark longitudinal stripes running from behind the head to the caudal fin base. The fins are often translucent, sometimes with a yellowish or reddish tint. Some individuals may exhibit a metallic sheen.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Four pairs of prominent barbels (one nasal, one maxillary, two mandibular), with the maxillary barbels extending beyond the pectoral fin base., Adipose fin present and relatively long., Strong, serrated spines in the dorsal and pectoral fins.

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin with a strong, serrated spine and 7 soft rays. An adipose fin is present, relatively long and low.

Tail fin

Forked caudal fin with rounded lobes.

Pectoral fin

Pectoral fins with a strong, serrated spine and 8-9 soft rays.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are small, abdominal. Anal fin is moderately long with 10-13 soft rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Stripes

   Look for 3-5 distinct dark longitudinal stripes along the body, which are the most defining characteristic.

2. 2

   Barbels

   Observe the four pairs of long barbels, especially the maxillary barbels which extend significantly.

3. 3

   Adipose Fin

   Note the presence of a distinct adipose fin, a fleshy fin without rays, located between the dorsal and caudal fins.

4. 4

   Fin Spines

   Identify the strong, serrated spines in the dorsal and pectoral fins, which are characteristic of Bagrid catfishes.

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