Fin's Fish Guide
The Congo butter catfish (Schilbe congensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Schilbeidae that grows up to 47 cm.
Congo basin in Central Africa; open water layers of rivers, possibly rapids.
Description
The Congo butter catfish is a schilbid catfish (Schilbeidae) from the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species has an elongate, laterally compressed, silvery body with barbels, a long anal fin and usually a small adipose fin. It seems adapted to rapids and keeps mainly in the open water layers of rivers. As a predator it hunts insects, crustaceans and small fishes. It is oviparous and does not guard its eggs. It is a local food fish. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Congo butter catfish?
The Congo butter catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Open-water sheatfish of the Congo basin; possibly adapted to rapids.
Where does the Congo butter catfish live?
The Congo butter catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Congo basin in Central Africa; open water layers of rivers, possibly rapids.
How big does the Congo butter catfish get?
The Congo butter catfish grows to a maximum of about 47 cm.
Is the Congo butter catfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Congo butter catfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Congo butter catfish edible?
Yes, the Congo butter catfish is commonly eaten.
Want the complete picture on the Congo butter catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Congo butter catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Schilbe
More from the family Schilbeidae
Want the complete picture on the Congo butter catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Congo butter catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.