Fin's Fish Guide
The Lower Guinea butter catfish (Schilbe mandibularis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Schilbeidae that grows up to 50 cm.
Description
Schilbe mandibularis is an African catfish of the family Schilbeidae from West Africa. The species has a streamlined, laterally compressed, silvery body with barbels and a long anal fin, and reaches about 50 cm. It lives in rivers and lakes and prefers fresh water, but is also known from brackish coastal lagoons. It is a voracious carnivore feeding mainly on (terrestrial) insects and small fishes. As a free-swimming catfish it often stays in the open water column. The dorsal and pectoral fins bear strong spines. The species is of local fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Lower Guinea butter catfish?
The Lower Guinea butter catfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Free-swimming glass catfish with a long anal fin; voracious insect and fish eater.
Where does the Lower Guinea butter catfish live?
The Lower Guinea butter catfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Rivers and lakes of West Africa.
How big does the Lower Guinea butter catfish get?
The Lower Guinea butter catfish grows to a maximum of about 50 cm.
Is the Lower Guinea butter catfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Lower Guinea butter 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 Lower Guinea butter catfish edible?
The Lower Guinea butter catfish is rarely eaten.
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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 Lower Guinea butter catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Lower Guinea butter catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.