Fin's Fish Guide
The Poll's catfish (Chrysichthys polli) is a freshwater fish of the family Claroteidae that grows up to 11 cm.
Description
The Poll's catfish is an African claroteid catfish (Claroteidae) from rivers and lakes of Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. 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 Poll's catfish?
The Poll's catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Large catfish with serrated fin spines; vulnerable bottom fish of the Congo basin.
Where does the Poll's catfish live?
The Poll's catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Central Africa; rivers and lakes.
How big does the Poll's catfish get?
The Poll's catfish grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.
Is the Poll's catfish dangerous to humans?
The Poll's 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 Poll's catfish edible?
Yes, the Poll's 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 Poll's catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Poll's catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.