Fin's Fish Guide
The Angler catfish (Chaca chaca) is a freshwater fish of the family Chacidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Description
The squarehead catfish is a remarkable bottom catfish from South Asia, occurring in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Malaysia and Indonesia. It grows to about 20 cm and has a broad, strongly flattened head with a very wide, upturned mouth and a brown, well-camouflaged body. As a typical ambush hunter it lies motionless and half-buried on the soft bottom and lures prey with a worm-like appendage near the mouth; when a small fish approaches it is engulfed in a flash. The fish is so sedentary that it barely moves when touched and can produce sounds out of water. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Angler catfish?
The Angler catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Very wide mouth; lures prey with a worm-shaped appendage; almost motionless ambush predator
Where does the Angler catfish live?
The Angler catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South Asia
How big does the Angler catfish get?
The Angler catfish grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Angler catfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Angler catfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Angler catfish edible?
The Angler catfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Angler catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Angler catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Chaca
More from the family Chacidae
Want the complete picture on the Angler catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Angler catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.