Fin's Fish Guide
The Nyong catfish (Chrysichthys nyongensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Claroteidae that grows up to 23 cm.
Description
The Nyong catfish is an African claroteid catfish (Claroteidae) from rivers and lakes of the Nyong drainage in Cameroon. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a sturdy, scaleless, greyish body with four pairs of barbels, an adipose fin and a flattened head. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it searches over sand and mud for insect larvae, molluscs, crustaceans and small fish. It is locally an important food fish. The stout, serrated pectoral and dorsal spines can give a painful puncture wound when handled.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Nyong catfish?
The Nyong catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Large catfish with serrated fin spines; vulnerable river fish from the Nyong basin in Cameroon.
Where does the Nyong catfish live?
The Nyong catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. West-Central Africa; rivers.
How big does the Nyong catfish get?
The Nyong catfish grows to a maximum of about 23 cm.
Is the Nyong catfish dangerous to humans?
The Nyong catfish can cause injury; handle it with care. For a cut or puncture from a sharp fin spine: rinse the wound with clean water, apply pressure to stop bleeding and cover with a sterile dressing. Check that no spine fragment remains and watch for signs of infection; for a deep wound update tetanus protection.
Is the Nyong catfish edible?
Yes, the Nyong catfish is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Chrysichthys
More from the family Claroteidae
Want the complete picture on the Nyong catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Nyong catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.