Fin's Fish Guide
The Chinese longsnout catfish (Tachysurus sinensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Bagridae that grows up to 36 cm.
Fresh water of East Asia, in slow- to moderately flowing rivers, canals and lakes of China and surroundings, on sandy and silty bottoms.
Description
The Chinese longsnout catfish is a scaleless catfish of the family Bagridae (bagrid catfishes) reaching about 36 cm. The yellow-brown, often mottled body carries four pairs of long barbels around the mouth, with which the fish feels for food in turbid water and at night, and an adipose fin between the dorsal and tail fins. The dorsal and pectoral fins bear strong, serrated spines that can give a painful stab wound. The species lives on sand and mud bottoms of slow to moderately flowing rivers, canals and lakes in East Asia. As a bottom-dweller it hunts mainly at night for insect larvae, small crustaceans, molluscs, worms and small fish. In East Asia it is a valued food and aquaculture fish. Handle the spines with care.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Chinese longsnout catfish?
The Chinese longsnout catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a spots pattern. Scaleless catfish with four pairs of long barbels, an adipose fin and strong, serrated spines in the dorsal and pectoral fins.
Where does the Chinese longsnout catfish live?
The Chinese longsnout catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of East Asia, in slow- to moderately flowing rivers, canals and lakes of China and surroundings, on sandy and silty bottoms.
How big does the Chinese longsnout catfish get?
The Chinese longsnout catfish grows to a maximum of about 36 cm.
Is the Chinese longsnout catfish dangerous to humans?
The Chinese longsnout catfish can cause injury; handle it with care. Stings from the serrated dorsal and pectoral spines are painful and may become infected: clean and disinfect the wound and seek medical help if the reaction is severe.
Is the Chinese longsnout catfish edible?
Yes, the Chinese longsnout catfish is commonly eaten.
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Same genus Tachysurus
More from the family Bagridae
Want the complete picture on the Chinese longsnout catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Chinese longsnout catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.