Fin's Fish Guide
The Shoulderspot catfish (Schilbe marmoratus) is a freshwater fish of the family Schilbeidae that grows up to 22 cm.
Fresh water of Central and southern Africa, in rivers, lakes and swamps, including the Congo and Zambezi basins.
Description
The shoulderspot catfish is a slender African catfish of the family Schilbeidae reaching about 22 cm. The silvery, sometimes marbled body bears barbels around the mouth, an adipose fin, a long anal fin and often a dark shoulder spot; the pectoral and dorsal fins hold small spines. Unlike many catfishes it swims actively in open water rather than on the bottom. The species comes from fresh water of Central and southern Africa, including the Congo and Zambezi basins, and lives in rivers, lakes and swamps. As an omnivore it eats insects, small crustaceans, small fish and plant matter. With its tasty flesh it is locally a valued food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Shoulderspot catfish?
The Shoulderspot catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a marbled pattern. Slender African catfish with barbels, an adipose fin and often a dark shoulder blotch; swims actively in open water.
Where does the Shoulderspot catfish live?
The Shoulderspot catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Fresh water of Central and southern Africa, in rivers, lakes and swamps, including the Congo and Zambezi basins.
How big does the Shoulderspot catfish get?
The Shoulderspot catfish grows to a maximum of about 22 cm.
Is the Shoulderspot catfish dangerous to humans?
The Shoulderspot catfish 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 Shoulderspot catfish edible?
Yes, the Shoulderspot catfish is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Schilbe
More from the family Schilbeidae
Want the complete picture on the Shoulderspot catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Shoulderspot catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.