Fin's Fish Guide
The Alvarez's eel catfish (Channallabes alvarezi) is a freshwater fish of the family Clariidae that grows up to 41 cm.
Description
Alvarez's eel catfish is an air-breathing catfish (Clariidae) from swamps, peatlands and slow-flowing fresh water of the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a very slender, eel-like, dark body with strongly reduced fins, small eyes and barbels. With an air-breathing organ it can survive in oxygen-poor water and even briefly on moist land, crawling over mud. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it snaps at insect larvae, worms and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Alvarez's eel catfish?
The Alvarez's eel catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Eel-shaped air-breathing catfish with strongly reduced fins; tolerates oxygen-poor water.
Where does the Alvarez's eel catfish live?
The Alvarez's eel catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Central Africa, in swamps and muddy waters of the Congo basin.
How big does the Alvarez's eel catfish get?
The Alvarez's eel catfish grows to a maximum of about 41 cm.
Is the Alvarez's eel catfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Alvarez's eel catfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Alvarez's eel catfish edible?
The Alvarez's eel catfish is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Channallabes
More from the family Clariidae
Want the complete picture on the Alvarez's eel catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Alvarez's eel catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.