{"product_id":"aquarium-catfish-4-5cm-for-sale-uk","title":"Long whiskers catfish (Mystus gulio) — 4-5cm","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLong Whiskers Catfish\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eMystus gulio\u003c\/em\u003e) is a hardy, whiskered bottom-dweller from South and Southeast Asia that thrives on meaty foods and needs a secure, species-appropriate brackish or freshwater setup. Native to South and Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, and Vietnam, this species is prized for its distinctive long barbels, hardy nature, and manageable size. Now available \u003cstrong\u003efor sale UK\u003c\/strong\u003e from Tropical Fish Co, this unusual catfish is ideal for the brackish or large freshwater community aquarium keeper.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Long Whiskers Catfish typically reaches around 30 cm in total length, making it a medium to large catfish. The body is elongated and robust, with a pale silver or grey base color. The most distinctive feature is the extremely long barbels (whiskers), which can be as long as or longer than the body itself and are used for foraging. The fins are well-developed. Healthy specimens have bright, clear eyes and smooth, undamaged barbels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the wild, \u003cem\u003eMystus gulio\u003c\/em\u003e is native to South and Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, and Vietnam, where it is typically found in brackish estuaries and also enters freshwater. These waters are typically warm, moderately hard, and vary from brackish to fresh depending on location and tides. The substrate is composed of mud or sand, and the fish spend much of their time foraging for invertebrates, small fish, and organic matter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAquarium Setup\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA spacious aquarium of at least 200 litres is recommended for a Long Whiskers Catfish, as they can grow quite large. Use a soft sand substrate to protect their long barbels, and incorporate smooth rocks, driftwood, caves, and robust structures to provide hiding places. Ensure strong filtration and moderate water movement to maintain high oxygen levels and excellent water quality. A secure lid is essential, as catfish can jump and are strong escape artists. This species is often collected from brackish habitats, so some keepers maintain them in brackish water, though they can adapt to freshwater.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"info-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 22-28°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.5-8.0\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderately hard water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Can tolerate brackish conditions (specific gravity 1.005-1.010)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFiltration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Strong flow, excellent water quality essential\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Long Whiskers Catfish is a carnivore and thrives on a varied meaty diet. Offer quality sinking carnivore pellets as a staple, supplemented with frozen or live bloodworms, shrimp, insect larvae, chopped mussel, and other small protein-rich foods. May also accept some prepared foods. Feed once or twice daily in amounts appropriate for the fish's size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBehaviour\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis catfish is semi-aggressive and can become predatory toward smaller tankmates. They are nocturnal and spend much of the day hiding, becoming active at night to forage. Their long barbels are used to locate food in murky or dark conditions. Due to their large adult size and predatory nature, choose tankmates carefully and provide a spacious aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"tip-box\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTop Tip:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide a secure lid, as catfish can jump and are strong escape artists. Use soft substrate and hiding places. Avoid sharp decor that can damage long barbels. This species is often collected from brackish waters.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Long Whiskers Catfish is suitable for a large community aquarium with other robust fish. Good tankmates include robust peaceful fish of similar size in freshwater or brackish conditions as appropriate, and other medium-sized non-aggressive fish that tolerate the same water parameters. Avoid very small fish, shrimp and other small invertebrates, slow-moving long-finned fish, highly aggressive territorial fish, and tiny fry or juvenile fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBreeding the Long Whiskers Catfish is not commonly reported in home aquaria. Like many bagrid catfish, it likely requires excellent water quality, seasonal conditioning, and possibly brackish to freshwater transitions to trigger spawning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy from Tropical Fish Co\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTropical Fish Co is a leading UK aquatics specialist offering unusual and fascinating catfish like the Long Whiskers Catfish direct to your door. Every fish is quarantined, inspected, and dispatched with expert care to ensure it arrives in peak condition. With decades of experience, transparent pricing, and exceptional customer support, we make it easy to add unique, specialist species to your collection. Order online today and enjoy fast, reliable delivery across the UK.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Fish Co","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57427521110351,"sku":"8141","price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/1408\/6735\/files\/long-whiskers-catfish-mystus-gulio-4-5cm-hero-driftwood-8141.webp?v=1776550964","url":"https:\/\/tropical-fish-co.myshopify.com\/products\/aquarium-catfish-4-5cm-for-sale-uk","provider":"Tropical Fish Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}