Fin's Fish Guide
The Egyptian butter catfish (Schilbe uranoscopus) is a freshwater fish of the family Schilbeidae that grows up to 36 cm.
Description
The silver catfish is a schilbid catfish (Schilbeidae) from the fresh waters of Africa. The species has an elongate, laterally compressed, silvery body with barbels, an adipose fin and a long anal fin. It is adapted to both rivers and lakes and lives mainly in the open water layers. As a predator with a varied diet it hunts insects, crustaceans and small fishes; young fish eat mainly insects. It is a local food fish and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Egyptian butter catfish?
The Egyptian butter catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Open-water sheatfish with an adipose fin and a long anal fin; varied predatory diet.
Where does the Egyptian butter catfish live?
The Egyptian butter catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Freshwater in Africa; rivers and lakes.
How big does the Egyptian butter catfish get?
The Egyptian butter catfish grows to a maximum of about 36 cm.
Is the Egyptian butter catfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Egyptian butter catfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Egyptian butter catfish edible?
Yes, the Egyptian 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 Schilbe
More from the family Schilbeidae
Want the complete picture on the Egyptian butter catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Egyptian butter catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.