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Silond catfish (Silonia silondia) — Schilbeidae

Silond catfish

Silonia silondia
Family: Schilbeidae

The Silond catfish (Silonia silondia) is a brackish-water fish of the family Schilbeidae that grows up to 183 cm.

Length
183 cm
Water
Brackish
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The silond catfish is a large schilbid catfish (Schilbeidae) from large rivers of South Asia, including the Ganges. The species can grow to about 1 metre and has a streamlined, silvery body with a pointed head, a large mouth and short barbels. As a predator of open water it hunts small fish and shrimp in schools. It is an important food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Silond catfish?

The Silond catfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Silond catfish live?

The Silond catfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Asia: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan

How big does the Silond catfish get?

The Silond catfish grows to a maximum of about 183 cm. On average the species is around 100 cm.

Is the Silond catfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Silond catfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Silond catfish edible?

Yes, the Silond catfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Silond catfish sourced
Scientific name
Silonia silondia
Family
Schilbeidae
Other names
Silond catfish; Silondia vacha; Silong catfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
183.0 verified
Average length (cm)
100.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
Asia: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Can be caught with natural bait or lures, matched to the size and habitat of the species. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Schilbeidae

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