Fin's Fish Guide
The Giraffe catfish (Auchenoglanis occidentalis) is a freshwater fish of the family Claroteidae that grows up to 70 cm.
Fresh water of much of Africa, in lakes, rivers and swamps with soft bottoms.
Description
The giraffe catfish is a robust bottom catfish of the family Claroteidae reaching about 70 cm. The sturdy body has a large, flat head profile, two pairs of barbels around the inferior mouth, an adipose fin and stout spines in the pectoral and dorsal fins; young fish bear a brown net-like pattern reminiscent of a giraffe. The species comes from much of Africa and lives on soft bottoms of lakes, rivers and swamps. Mainly at night it roots over the bottom with its barbels for insect larvae, molluscs, worms, detritus and plant matter. The parents make a nest pit and guard the eggs and young. With its tasty flesh it is an important food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Giraffe catfish?
The Giraffe catfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Robust bottom catfish with a large, flat head profile, two pairs of barbels, an adipose fin and a brown net-like (giraffe) pattern in juveniles.
Where does the Giraffe catfish live?
The Giraffe catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of much of Africa, in lakes, rivers and swamps with soft bottoms.
How big does the Giraffe catfish get?
The Giraffe catfish grows to a maximum of about 70 cm.
Is the Giraffe catfish dangerous to humans?
The Giraffe catfish can cause injury; handle it with care. The pectoral and dorsal fins bear stout, serrated spines that can cause painful puncture or cut wounds; handle a caught animal carefully and clean any wound.
Is the Giraffe catfish edible?
Yes, the Giraffe 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 Auchenoglanis
More from the family Claroteidae
Want the complete picture on the Giraffe catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Giraffe catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.