Fin's Fish Guide
The Natal mountain catfish (Amphilius natalensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Amphiliidae that grows up to 13 cm.
Description
The Natal mountain catfish is a small catfish from fast-flowing escarpment streams of southern Africa, from the eastern highlands of Zimbabwe to the Drakensberg of KwaZulu-Natal and the Ruo in Malawi. The species grows to about 13 cm, has a flattened head, scaleless skin and barbels. It lives among cobbles and rocks in swift water and is active at night, hunting stream insects such as mayfly and midge larvae. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Natal mountain catfish?
The Natal mountain catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Flattened head and scaleless skin; night hunter in mountain streams
Where does the Natal mountain catfish live?
The Natal mountain catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southern Africa
How big does the Natal mountain catfish get?
The Natal mountain catfish grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.
Is the Natal mountain catfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Natal mountain 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 Natal mountain catfish edible?
The Natal mountain catfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
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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 Natal mountain catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Natal mountain catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.