Fin's Fish Guide
The Alluaud's catfish (Clarias alluaudi) is a freshwater fish of the family Clariidae that grows up to 23 cm.
East Africa; muddy banks, papyrus swamps and ponds, including Lake Victoria.
Description
Alluaud's catfish is an air-breathing catfish (Clariidae) from East Africa. The species has an elongate, scaleless body with a flattened head, four pairs of barbels and a long dorsal fin; like related airbreathing catfishes it has a tree-shaped gill organ with which it can breathe air and survive oxygen-poor water. It lives along muddy shores, in papyrus swamps and in ponds, including in Lake Victoria. As an omnivore it feeds on insects, small invertebrates and plant matter. The stout pectoral fin spines can give a painful puncture wound when handled.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Alluaud's catfish?
The Alluaud's catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Tree-like gill organ for breathing air; survives oxygen-poor papyrus swamps.
Where does the Alluaud's catfish live?
The Alluaud's catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. East Africa; muddy banks, papyrus swamps and ponds, including Lake Victoria.
How big does the Alluaud's catfish get?
The Alluaud's catfish grows to a maximum of about 23 cm.
Is the Alluaud's catfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Alluaud's catfish is harmless to humans. Not venomous, but the stout, serrated pectoral and dorsal fin spines can inflict a painful puncture wound. Clean the wound thoroughly and seek medical care if it becomes infected.
Is the Alluaud's catfish edible?
Yes, the Alluaud's catfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Clarias
More from the family Clariidae
Want the complete picture on the Alluaud's catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Alluaud's catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.