Fin's Fish Guide
The Sharkmouth catfish (Belodontichthys dinema) is a freshwater fish of the family Siluridae that grows up to 100 cm.
Description
The sharkmouth catfish is a large predatory sheatfish (Siluridae) from Southeast Asia. The species has a strongly laterally compressed, silvery body with a strongly upturned mouth full of small teeth, long barbels and sickle-shaped pectoral fins, to which the name refers; the dorsal fin is very small. It lives in large rivers and lakes, often in the open water layers. As an active predator it hunts mainly other fishes. It is a local food fish. The pectoral fin spines can give a painful puncture wound when handled.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Sharkmouth catfish?
The Sharkmouth catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Upturned mouth and sickle-shaped pectoral fins; active open-water predatory catfish with a very small dorsal fin.
Where does the Sharkmouth catfish live?
The Sharkmouth catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southeast Asia; large rivers and lakes.
How big does the Sharkmouth catfish get?
The Sharkmouth catfish grows to a maximum of about 100 cm.
Is the Sharkmouth catfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Sharkmouth catfish is harmless to humans. Not venomous, but the stout pectoral and dorsal fin spines can inflict a painful puncture wound when handled. Clean the wound thoroughly and seek medical care if it becomes infected.
Is the Sharkmouth catfish edible?
Yes, the Sharkmouth catfish is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Siluridae
Want the complete picture on the Sharkmouth catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sharkmouth catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.