Fin's Fish Guide
The Sampa (Heterobranchus longifilis) is a freshwater fish of the family Clariidae that grows up to 150 cm.
Fresh water of much of Africa, in rivers, lakes and swamps with soft bottoms.
Description
The vundu or sampa is a large, eel-like air-breathing catfish of the family Clariidae reaching about 1.5 metres and one of the largest freshwater fish of Africa. The elongate, scaleless body has four pairs of barbels around the broad mouth, a long dorsal fin followed by a conspicuously large adipose fin, and stout spines in the pectoral and dorsal fins. Like related Clariidae it has a tree-shaped accessory breathing organ above the gills with which it survives in oxygen-poor water. The species comes from much of Africa and lives on soft bottoms of rivers, lakes and swamps. As a nocturnal predator it eats fish, crustaceans, insects, molluscs and carrion. It is an important aquaculture fish and a hard-fighting sport fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Sampa?
The Sampa 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, a long dorsal fin followed by a large adipose fin; survives oxygen-poor water.
Where does the Sampa live?
The Sampa lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of much of Africa, in rivers, lakes and swamps with soft bottoms.
How big does the Sampa get?
The Sampa grows to a maximum of about 150 cm.
Is the Sampa dangerous to humans?
The Sampa 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 Sampa edible?
Yes, the Sampa 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 Heterobranchus
More from the family Clariidae
Want the complete picture on the Sampa?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sampa is one of 12,519 species in the app.