Fin's Fish Guide
The Smoothspine butter catfish (Ompok leiacanthus) is a freshwater fish of the family Siluridae that grows up to 19 cm.
Description
The smoothspine butter catfish is a catfish (Siluridae) from fresh water of Sundaland in Southeast Asia. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a flattened, laterally compressed, silver-grey body with two long barbels, a large mouth and no or a strongly reduced dorsal fin. As a nocturnal fish it hovers in slow-flowing rivers and flooded forests and hunts insects, shrimp and small fish. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Smoothspine butter catfish?
The Smoothspine butter catfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Smoothspine butter catfish live?
The Smoothspine butter catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Brunei Darsm, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand
How big does the Smoothspine butter catfish get?
The Smoothspine butter catfish grows to a maximum of about 19 cm.
Is the Smoothspine butter catfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Smoothspine butter 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.
Want the complete picture on the Smoothspine butter catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Smoothspine butter catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Ompok
More from the family Siluridae
Want the complete picture on the Smoothspine butter catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Smoothspine butter catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.