Fin's Fish Guide
The Smoothhead catfish (Clarias liocephalus) is a freshwater fish of the family Clariidae that grows up to 32 cm.
Fresh water of eastern and central Africa, in swamps, seepage areas and slow-moving water, also in mountain streams.
Description
The smoothhead catfish is an eel-like air-breathing catfish of the family Clariidae reaching about 32 cm. The elongate, scaleless body has four pairs of barbels around the broad mouth and a very long dorsal and anal fin; the head is smooth, without pronounced ridges. Like other Clarias species it has a tree-shaped accessory breathing organ above the gills with which it can breathe air, allowing it to survive in oxygen-poor swamp and seepage water and even crawl over moist ground. The species comes from eastern and central Africa and occurs even in mountain streams. As an omnivore it eats insects, worms, crustaceans, small fish and plant matter. It is a valued food fish, with stout, serrated pectoral spines.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Smoothhead catfish?
The Smoothhead catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Eel-like air-breathing catfish with four pairs of barbels and a long dorsal fin; survives oxygen-poor swamp and seepage water.
Where does the Smoothhead catfish live?
The Smoothhead catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of eastern and central Africa, in swamps, seepage areas and slow-moving water, also in mountain streams.
How big does the Smoothhead catfish get?
The Smoothhead catfish grows to a maximum of about 32 cm.
Is the Smoothhead catfish dangerous to humans?
The Smoothhead 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 Smoothhead catfish edible?
Yes, the Smoothhead catfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Clarias
More from the family Clariidae
Want the complete picture on the Smoothhead catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Smoothhead catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.