Fin's Fish Guide
The Forest catfish (Clarias buthupogon) is a freshwater fish of the family Clariidae that grows up to 34 cm.
Fresh water of West and Central Africa, in slow-moving water of forest streams, rivers and swamps.
Description
The forest catfish is an eel-like air-breathing catfish of the family Clariidae reaching about 34 cm. The elongate, mottled body has four pairs of barbels around the broad mouth and a very long dorsal and anal fin. Like other Clarias species it has a tree-shaped accessory breathing organ above the gills with which it can breathe air, allowing it to survive in oxygen-poor forest-stream and swamp water and even crawl over land for short periods. The species comes from West and Central Africa and lives in slow water of forest streams, rivers and swamps. As an omnivore it eats insects, worms, crustaceans, small fish and plant matter. It is a valued food fish, with non-venomous but stout, serrated pectoral spines.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Forest catfish?
The Forest catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Eel-like air-breathing catfish with four pairs of barbels, a long dorsal fin and a blotched pattern; survives oxygen-poor forest stream water.
Where does the Forest catfish live?
The Forest catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of West and Central Africa, in slow-moving water of forest streams, rivers and swamps.
How big does the Forest catfish get?
The Forest catfish grows to a maximum of about 34 cm.
Is the Forest catfish dangerous to humans?
The Forest catfish can cause injury; handle it with care. The pectoral fins bear stout, serrated spines that can cause painful puncture or cut wounds; handle a caught animal carefully and clean any wound.
Is the Forest catfish edible?
Yes, the Forest catfish is a highly prized food fish.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Clarias
More from the family Clariidae
Want the complete picture on the Forest catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Forest catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.