Fin's Fish Guide
The Giant claroteid catfish (Pardiglanis tarabinii) is a freshwater fish of the family Claroteidae that grows up to 75 cm.
Description
The giant claroteid catfish is a large naked catfish (Claroteidae) from rivers and swamps of East Africa around the Jubba and Shabeelle drainages. The species can reach about 1 m and has a massive, scaleless, grey-brown body with a broad, flattened head, barbels, an adipose fin and stout spines in the dorsal and pectoral fins. As a nocturnal bottom predator it hunts fish, crustaceans and large invertebrates. The powerful fin spines can give a deep, painful puncture wound.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Giant claroteid catfish?
The Giant claroteid catfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown. Bears sharp spines, plates or strong jaws that can cause cuts or puncture wounds; handle with care.
Where does the Giant claroteid catfish live?
The Giant claroteid catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Africa: Kenya, Somalia
How big does the Giant claroteid catfish get?
The Giant claroteid catfish grows to a maximum of about 75 cm.
Is the Giant claroteid catfish dangerous to humans?
The Giant claroteid catfish can cause injury; handle it with care. For a puncture or cut from a fin spine: rinse the wound thoroughly with clean water, apply pressure to stop bleeding and remove any visible fragments. Cover and keep clean. For a deep wound, a retained spine or signs of infection see a doctor and check tetanus status.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Claroteidae
Want the complete picture on the Giant claroteid catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Giant claroteid catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.