Fin's Fish Guide
The Angler catfish (Chaca bankanensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Chacidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Description
The frogmouth catfish is a catfish from freshwater swamp forests and streams of Malaysia, Indonesia and Borneo. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a broad, strongly flattened head with an enormous, upturned mouth and a stocky, brown mottled body that hides perfectly among leaf litter. Lying motionless as an ambush predator it waits until a fish or shrimp comes within reach and then sucks it in at lightning speed. It carries a short dorsal fin spine that can cause painful wounds. Through habitat loss it is listed as Near Threatened (NT) on the IUCN Red List.
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. Enormous superior mouth; ambush predator that shelters among leaf litter
Where does the Angler catfish live?
The Angler catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southeast 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?
The Angler catfish can cause injury; handle it with care. The short dorsal fin spine can cause a painful puncture wound. Clean and disinfect the wound and seek medical help for a deep or infected wound.
Is the Angler catfish edible?
The Angler catfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
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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.