Fin's Fish Guide
The Grenfell's catfish (Schilbe grenfelli) is a freshwater fish of the family Schilbeidae that grows up to 51 cm.
Fresh water of Central Africa, in the Congo basin, in rivers, lakes and swamps.
Description
Grenfell's catfish is a slender, silvery catfish of the family Schilbeidae (glass catfishes) reaching about 51 cm. Unlike most catfishes it does not live on the bottom but swims actively in open water; the laterally compressed body has barbels around the mouth, a very long anal fin and a small adipose fin. The pectoral and dorsal fins bear stout spines. The species comes from the Congo basin in Central Africa and lives in rivers, lakes and swamps. Mainly at night it hunts in the water column for insects, crustaceans and small fish, supplemented with plant matter. In the rainy season it spawns on flooded margins. With its tasty flesh it is a locally valued food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Grenfell's catfish?
The Grenfell's catfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender, silvery open-water catfish with a long anal fin, barbels and a small adipose fin; swims actively in the water column.
Where does the Grenfell's catfish live?
The Grenfell's catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Fresh water of Central Africa, in the Congo basin, in rivers, lakes and swamps.
How big does the Grenfell's catfish get?
The Grenfell's catfish grows to a maximum of about 51 cm.
Is the Grenfell's catfish dangerous to humans?
The Grenfell's 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 Grenfell's catfish edible?
Yes, the Grenfell's 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 Schilbe
More from the family Schilbeidae
Want the complete picture on the Grenfell's catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Grenfell's catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.