Fin's Fish Guide
The Mountain catfish (Amphilius uranoscopus) is a freshwater fish of the family Amphiliidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Fresh water of East, Central and southern Africa, in clear, fast-flowing mountain streams and rivers with stony bottoms.
Description
The mountain catfish is a small, flattened catfish of the family Amphiliidae reaching about 20 cm. The brown, marbled body has a flat head with three pairs of barbels and broad, muscular pectoral and pelvic fins with which the fish clings to the bottom in strong current. Unlike most catfishes it lacks stout, serrated fin spines, making it harmless to handle. The species lives in clear, fast-flowing mountain streams and rivers with stony bottoms in East, Central and southern Africa. On the bottom it searches, mainly at night, for insect larvae and small crustaceans. Through its adapted fins it is well suited to life in fierce current.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Mountain catfish?
The Mountain catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Small, flattened mountain-stream catfish with three pairs of barbels and broad pectoral fins; lacks the strong spines of other catfishes.
Where does the Mountain catfish live?
The Mountain catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Fresh water of East, Central and southern Africa, in clear, fast-flowing mountain streams and rivers with stony bottoms.
How big does the Mountain catfish get?
The Mountain catfish grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Mountain catfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Mountain catfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Mountain catfish edible?
The Mountain catfish is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Amphilius
More from the family Amphiliidae
Want the complete picture on the Mountain catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Mountain catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.