Fin's Fish Guide
The Butter catfish (Ompok bimaculatus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Siluridae that grows up to 45 cm.
Description
The butter catfish is a sheatfish (Siluridae) from South Asia. The species has a laterally compressed, scaleless body with a long anal fin, a strongly reduced or absent dorsal fin and two pairs of barbels; younger animals have a blotch near the shoulder. Adults live in quiet, shallow, often turbid water of sandy streams, rivers and tanks. As a nocturnal predator it hunts small fishes, crustaceans and insects. Owing to overfishing the species is considered near threatened. The pectoral fin spines can give a painful puncture wound when handled.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Butter catfish?
The Butter catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Long anal fin and a strongly reduced dorsal fin; nocturnal predatory catfish, sensitive to overfishing.
Where does the Butter catfish live?
The Butter catfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South Asia; calm, shallow water of streams, rivers and tanks.
How big does the Butter catfish get?
The Butter catfish grows to a maximum of about 45 cm.
Is the Butter catfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Butter catfish is harmless to humans. Not venomous, but the stout, serrated pectoral and dorsal fin spines can inflict a painful puncture wound. Clean the wound thoroughly and seek medical care if it becomes infected.
Is the Butter catfish edible?
Yes, the Butter catfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Ompok
More from the family Siluridae
Want the complete picture on the Butter catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Butter catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.