Fin's Fish Guide
The Shortbarbel catfish (Chrysichthys brevibarbis) is a freshwater fish of the family Claroteidae that grows up to 40 cm.
Description
The Shortbarbel catfish is an African claroteid catfish (Claroteidae) from rivers and lakes of West 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 Shortbarbel catfish?
The Shortbarbel catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Short barbels and stout fin spines; nocturnal bottom catfish of the Congo basin.
Where does the Shortbarbel catfish live?
The Shortbarbel catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Congo basin in Central Africa; river bottoms.
How big does the Shortbarbel catfish get?
The Shortbarbel catfish grows to a maximum of about 40 cm.
Is the Shortbarbel catfish dangerous to humans?
The Shortbarbel 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 Shortbarbel catfish edible?
Yes, the Shortbarbel 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 Shortbarbel catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Shortbarbel catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.