Fin's Fish Guide
The Malabar glass catfish (Ompok malabaricus) is a freshwater fish of the family Siluridae that grows up to 51 cm.
Description
The Malabar glass catfish is a sheatfish (Siluridae) from rivers, streams and floodplains of southwestern India in South Asia. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a laterally compressed, scaleless, silver-grey body with a short dorsal fin, a long anal fin and two pairs of barbels. As a nocturnal predator it searches for small fish, shrimp and insect larvae. The pectoral spine can give a painful puncture wound when handled.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Malabar glass catfish?
The Malabar glass catfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey. Bears sharp spines, plates or strong jaws that can cause cuts or puncture wounds; handle with care.
Where does the Malabar glass catfish live?
The Malabar glass catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: India
How big does the Malabar glass catfish get?
The Malabar glass catfish grows to a maximum of about 51 cm.
Is the Malabar glass catfish dangerous to humans?
The Malabar glass catfish can cause injury; handle it with care. For a puncture or cut from a fin spine: rinse the wound thoroughly with clean water, apply pressure to stop bleeding and remove any visible fragments. Cover and keep clean. For a deep wound, a retained spine or signs of infection see a doctor and check tetanus status.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Ompok
More from the family Siluridae
Want the complete picture on the Malabar glass catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Malabar glass catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.