Fin's Fish Guide
The Electric catfish (Malapterurus electricus) is a freshwater fish of the family Malapteruridae that grows up to 122 cm.
Fresh water of much of Africa (including the Nile and West African rivers), in calm, turbid rivers and lakes with soft bottoms.
Description
The electric catfish is a plump, scaleless catfish of the family Malapteruridae reaching about 1.2 metres. The grey-brown, spotted body lacks an ordinary dorsal fin but has an adipose fin at the rear, three pairs of barbels and a rounded tail. Beneath the skin lies an electric organ that wraps almost the whole body and can deliver strong shocks - up to several hundred volts - to stun prey and defend itself. The species comes from much of Africa, including the Nile, and lives in quiet, turbid rivers and lakes. At night it hunts fish and bottom animals. With its size it is locally a food fish, but it is feared for its painful, startling shocks.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Electric catfish?
The Electric catfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Stout, scaleless catfish without a dorsal fin but with an adipose fin; an organ around the body delivers powerful electric shocks.
Where does the Electric catfish live?
The Electric catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of much of Africa (including the Nile and West African rivers), in calm, turbid rivers and lakes with soft bottoms.
How big does the Electric catfish get?
The Electric catfish grows to a maximum of about 122 cm.
Is the Electric catfish dangerous to humans?
The Electric catfish can cause injury; handle it with care. This catfish can deliver a powerful electric shock that is painful and startling; do not grab a live animal.
Is the Electric catfish edible?
Yes, the Electric catfish is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Malapterurus
More from the family Malapteruridae
Want the complete picture on the Electric catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Electric catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.