Fin's Fish Guide
The Kokuni (Chrysichthys cranchii) is a freshwater fish of the family Claroteidae that grows up to 150 cm.
Fresh water of much of Africa (including the Congo and Nile basins), in rivers and lakes with soft bottoms.
Description
The kokuni is a large bottom catfish of the family Claroteidae reaching about 1.5 metres, one of the largest African claroteids. The sturdy, silvery-grey body has four pairs of barbels around the inferior mouth, an adipose fin and stout, serrated spines in the pectoral and dorsal fins. The species comes from much of Africa, including the Congo and Nile basins, and lives on soft bottoms of rivers and lakes. Mainly at night it probes the bottom with its barbels for molluscs, insect larvae, crustaceans, small fish and plant matter. The parents make a nest pit and guard the eggs and young. With its size and tasty flesh it is an important commercial and aquaculture fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Kokuni?
The Kokuni has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Large bottom catfish with four pairs of barbels, an adipose fin and sturdy spines in the pectoral and dorsal fin; one of the largest African claroteids.
Where does the Kokuni live?
The Kokuni lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of much of Africa (including the Congo and Nile basins), in rivers and lakes with soft bottoms.
How big does the Kokuni get?
The Kokuni grows to a maximum of about 150 cm.
Is the Kokuni dangerous to humans?
The Kokuni 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 Kokuni edible?
Yes, the Kokuni is a highly prized food fish.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Chrysichthys
More from the family Claroteidae
Want the complete picture on the Kokuni?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Kokuni is one of 12,519 species in the app.