Fin's Fish Guide
The Wolff's mystus (Mystus wolffii) is a brackish-water fish of the family Bagridae that grows up to 20 cm.
Description
The Wolff's mystus is a bagrid catfish (Bagridae) from fresh water of Sundaland in Southeast Asia. The species has a slender to sturdy, scaleless, brown-grey body with four pairs of barbels, an adipose fin and a long anal fin. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it searches over sand and mud of rivers and lakes for insect larvae, small crustaceans, molluscs and small fish. The stout, serrated pectoral and dorsal spines are venomous and can give a painful puncture wound.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Wolff's mystus?
The Wolff's mystus has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.
Where does the Wolff's mystus live?
The Wolff's mystus lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Viet Nam, Thailand
How big does the Wolff's mystus get?
The Wolff's mystus grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Wolff's mystus dangerous to humans?
The Wolff's mystus is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. For a sting from a fin spine: rinse the wound, remove any visible spine fragments and immerse the part for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) to break down the venom. The pain can be severe. For marked swelling, a retained spine or signs of infection seek medical care and check tetanus status.
Is the Wolff's mystus edible?
The Wolff's mystus is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Mystus
More from the family Bagridae
Want the complete picture on the Wolff's mystus?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Wolff's mystus is one of 12,519 species in the app.