Fin's Fish Guide
The Lake Malawi airbreathing catfish (Bathyclarias nyasensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Clariidae that grows up to 100 cm.
Description
The Lake Malawi airbreathing catfish is a large, air-breathing catfish endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. It can reach a metre in length and has an elongate body with a long dorsal fin and barbels around the mouth. Like related airbreathing catfishes it can breathe air through a special gill organ. The fish lives at depths between about 20 and 90 metres and is a plankton feeder that sieves small crustaceans from the water, supplemented with small fish, insect larvae and plant matter; it sometimes forages at the surface in groups. It is an important food fish. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Lake Malawi airbreathing catfish?
The Lake Malawi airbreathing catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Can breathe air through a gill organ; large plankton-sieving catfish
Where does the Lake Malawi airbreathing catfish live?
The Lake Malawi airbreathing catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Lake Malawi
How big does the Lake Malawi airbreathing catfish get?
The Lake Malawi airbreathing catfish grows to a maximum of about 100 cm.
Is the Lake Malawi airbreathing catfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Lake Malawi airbreathing catfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Lake Malawi airbreathing catfish edible?
Yes, the Lake Malawi airbreathing catfish is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Bathyclarias
More from the family Clariidae
Want the complete picture on the Lake Malawi airbreathing catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Lake Malawi airbreathing catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.