Fin's Fish Guide
The Balay's catfish (Parauchenoglanis balayi) is a freshwater fish of the family Claroteidae that grows up to 32 cm.
Fresh water of West and Central Africa, in slow-moving water of rivers and creeks with soft bottoms.
Description
Balay's catfish is a bottom catfish of the family Claroteidae reaching about 32 cm. The stocky, brown-mottled body has three pairs of barbels around the inferior mouth, a small adipose fin and stout, serrated spines in the pectoral and dorsal fins. The species comes from West and Central Africa and lives on soft bottoms in slow water of rivers and creeks. Mainly at night it probes the bottom with its barbels for insect larvae, molluscs, crustaceans and small fish. In the rainy season it spawns. With its tasty flesh it is a locally valued food fish; when handling, the sharp fin spines call for care.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Balay's catfish?
The Balay's catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Bottom catfish with three pairs of barbels, an adipose fin and a brown blotched pattern; sturdy spines in the pectoral and dorsal fin.
Where does the Balay's catfish live?
The Balay's catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of West and Central Africa, in slow-moving water of rivers and creeks with soft bottoms.
How big does the Balay's catfish get?
The Balay's catfish grows to a maximum of about 32 cm.
Is the Balay's catfish dangerous to humans?
The Balay's 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 Balay's catfish edible?
Yes, the Balay's catfish is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Parauchenoglanis
More from the family Claroteidae
Want the complete picture on the Balay's catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Balay's catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.