Fin's Fish Guide
The Broadhead catfish (Clarias platycephalus) is a freshwater fish of the family Clariidae that grows up to 38 cm.
Fresh water of Central Africa, in the Congo basin, in calm rivers, swamps and floodplains with soft bottoms.
Description
The broadhead catfish is an elongate African catfish of the family Clariidae reaching about 38 cm. The brown, marbled, scaleless body has a broad, flat head with four pairs of barbels and a very long dorsal and anal fin that run almost to the tail. The pectoral fins bear stout spines that can cause painful puncture wounds. Like other Clarias catfish it has an accessory breathing organ above the gills, with which it breathes air and survives in oxygen-poor swamp water and even drought, buried in moist mud. The species comes from the Congo basin in Central Africa and lives in quiet rivers, swamps and floodplains. At night it hunts insects, worms, crustaceans, small fish and plant matter. Locally it is a food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Broadhead catfish?
The Broadhead catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Elongate African catfish with a broad, flat head, four pairs of barbels and a very long dorsal fin; possesses an accessory breathing organ.
Where does the Broadhead catfish live?
The Broadhead catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of Central Africa, in the Congo basin, in calm rivers, swamps and floodplains with soft bottoms.
How big does the Broadhead catfish get?
The Broadhead catfish grows to a maximum of about 38 cm.
Is the Broadhead catfish dangerous to humans?
The Broadhead 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 Broadhead catfish edible?
Yes, the Broadhead catfish is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Clarias
More from the family Clariidae
Want the complete picture on the Broadhead catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Broadhead catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.