Fin's Fish Guide
The Mudfish (Clarias anguillaris) is a freshwater fish of the family Clariidae that grows up to 100 cm.
Fresh water of much of Africa, in rivers, lakes, swamps and floodplains.
Description
The mudfish is a large, eel-like air-breathing catfish of the family Clariidae reaching about 1 metre. The elongate, scaleless body has four pairs of barbels around the broad mouth and a very long dorsal and anal fin. Like other Clarias species it has a tree-shaped accessory breathing organ above the gills with which it can breathe air, allowing it to survive in oxygen-poor water and even crawl over moist ground to new water or wait out drought in the mud. The species comes from much of Africa and lives in rivers, lakes, swamps and floodplains. As an omnivore it eats insects, worms, crustaceans, small fish and plant matter. It is an important food and aquaculture fish, with stout, serrated pectoral spines.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Mudfish?
The Mudfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Large, eel-like air-breathing catfish with four pairs of barbels and a very long dorsal fin; survives oxygen-poor water and short droughts.
Where does the Mudfish live?
The Mudfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of much of Africa, in rivers, lakes, swamps and floodplains.
How big does the Mudfish get?
The Mudfish grows to a maximum of about 100 cm.
Is the Mudfish dangerous to humans?
The Mudfish 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 Mudfish edible?
Yes, the Mudfish is a highly prized food fish.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Clarias
More from the family Clariidae
Want the complete picture on the Mudfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Mudfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.