Fin's Fish Guide
The African butter catfish (Schilbe mystus) is a freshwater fish of the family Schilbeidae that grows up to 35 cm.
Fresh water of much of Africa, in rivers, lakes and swamps, often in open water.
Description
The African butter catfish is a slender, silvery catfish of the family Schilbeidae (glass catfishes) reaching about 35 cm. Unlike most catfishes it does not live on the bottom but swims actively in open water; the laterally compressed body has barbels around the mouth, a very long anal fin and a small adipose fin. The pectoral and dorsal fins bear stout spines. The species comes from much of Africa and lives in rivers, lakes and swamps. As an omnivore it hunts insects, crustaceans and small fish in the water column, supplemented with seeds and plant matter. In the rainy season it spawns on flooded margins. With its tasty, fatty flesh it is an important food fish across much of Africa.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the African butter catfish?
The African butter catfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender, silvery open-water catfish with barbels, a very long anal fin and a small adipose fin; swims actively in the water column.
Where does the African butter catfish live?
The African butter catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Fresh water of much of Africa, in rivers, lakes and swamps, often in open water.
How big does the African butter catfish get?
The African butter catfish grows to a maximum of about 35 cm.
Is the African butter catfish dangerous to humans?
The African butter catfish can cause injury; handle it with care. The pectoral and dorsal fins bear stout, serrated spines that can cause painful puncture or cut wounds; handle a caught animal carefully and clean any wound.
Is the African butter catfish edible?
Yes, the African butter catfish is a highly prized food fish.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Schilbe
More from the family Schilbeidae
Want the complete picture on the African butter catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the African butter catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.