Fin's Fish Guide
The African eel catfish (Gymnallabes typus) is a freshwater fish of the family Clariidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Description
Gymnallabes typus is an eel-like African catfish of the family Clariidae from West Africa, especially the Niger delta. The species has a strongly elongate, snake-like body with greatly reduced fins and barbels around the mouth, and reaches about 30 cm. Like other air-breathing catfishes it can gulp air thanks to an accessory breathing organ, an adaptation to oxygen-poor water. It prefers small streams, ditches and swamps with leaf litter, where it hunts at night for insect larvae, worms and other small invertebrates. It does not eat fishes.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the African eel catfish?
The African eel catfish has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Eel-like body with strongly reduced fins; can breathe air; inhabits streams covered with leaf litter.
Where does the African eel catfish live?
The African eel catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Freshwater of West Africa, especially the Niger Delta.
How big does the African eel catfish get?
The African eel catfish grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the African eel catfish dangerous to humans?
No, the African eel catfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the African eel catfish edible?
The African eel catfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the African eel catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the African eel catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Clariidae
Want the complete picture on the African eel catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the African eel catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.