Fin's Fish Guide
The Largemouth catfish (Notoglanidium macrostoma) is a freshwater fish of the family Claroteidae that grows up to 28 cm.
Fresh water of West and Central Africa, in rivers and creeks with soft bottoms.
Description
The largemouth catfish is a small African bottom catfish of the family Claroteidae reaching about 28 cm. The brown, smooth body has a broad, terminal mouth, barbels around the mouth, an adipose fin and stout, serrated spines in the pectoral and dorsal fins that can cause painful puncture wounds. The species comes from fresh water of West and Central Africa and lives on soft bottoms of rivers and creeks. Mainly at night it probes the bottom with its barbels for insect larvae, crustaceans, worms and small fish. Because of its hidden, nocturnal lifestyle it draws little notice; locally it is eaten as bycatch.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Largemouth catfish?
The Largemouth catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Small African bottom-dwelling catfish with a broad mouth, barbels, an adipose fin and strong spines in the pectoral and dorsal fins.
Where does the Largemouth catfish live?
The Largemouth catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of West and Central Africa, in rivers and creeks with soft bottoms.
How big does the Largemouth catfish get?
The Largemouth catfish grows to a maximum of about 28 cm.
Is the Largemouth catfish dangerous to humans?
The Largemouth 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 Largemouth catfish edible?
The Largemouth catfish is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Notoglanidium
More from the family Claroteidae
Want the complete picture on the Largemouth catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Largemouth catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.