Fin's Fish Guide
The Amur catfish (Silurus asotus) is a freshwater fish of the family Siluridae that grows up to 130 cm.
Fresh water of East Asia (China, Korea, Japan and the Amur region), in rivers, lakes and ponds with soft bottoms.
Description
The Amur catfish is a large, scaleless catfish of the family Siluridae reaching about 1.3 metres. The elongate, brown-marbled body has a broad flat head with two pairs of barbels, a strikingly small dorsal fin and a very long anal fin that runs almost to the tail. The pectoral fins bear stout spines that can cause painful puncture wounds. The species comes from the fresh water of East Asia and lives on soft bottoms of rivers, lakes and ponds. Mainly at night it hunts small fish, crustaceans, frogs and large aquatic insects with its barbels. With its size and tasty flesh it is an important food and aquaculture fish in the region.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Amur catfish?
The Amur catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Large, scaleless catfish with a broad flat head, a very small dorsal fin, a long anal fin and two pairs of barbels.
Where does the Amur catfish live?
The Amur catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of East Asia (China, Korea, Japan and the Amur region), in rivers, lakes and ponds with soft bottoms.
How big does the Amur catfish get?
The Amur catfish grows to a maximum of about 130 cm. On average the species is around 37 cm.
Is the Amur catfish dangerous to humans?
The Amur 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 Amur catfish edible?
Yes, the Amur catfish is a highly prized food fish.
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All data
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Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Silurus
More from the family Siluridae
Want the complete picture on the Amur catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Amur catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.