Fin's Fish Guide
The Snake catfish (Clarias theodorae) is a freshwater fish of the family Clariidae that grows up to 35 cm.
Fresh water of Central and southern Africa, in swamps, floodplains, rivers and pools with soft bottoms.
Description
The snake catfish is an elongate African catfish of the family Clariidae reaching about 35 cm. The brown, marbled, scaleless body has a flattened head with four pairs of barbels and a very long dorsal and anal fin that run almost to the tail. The pectoral fins bear stout spines that can cause painful puncture wounds. Like other Clarias catfish it has an accessory breathing organ above the gills, with which it breathes air and survives in oxygen-poor swamp water and even drought, buried in moist mud. The species comes from Central and southern Africa and lives in swamps, floodplains, rivers and pools. At night it hunts insects, worms, crustaceans, small fish and plant matter. Locally it is a food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Snake catfish?
The Snake catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Elongate African catfish with four pairs of barbels and a very long dorsal fin; possesses an accessory breathing organ and can breathe air.
Where does the Snake catfish live?
The Snake catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of Central and southern Africa, in swamps, floodplains, rivers and pools with soft bottoms.
How big does the Snake catfish get?
The Snake catfish grows to a maximum of about 35 cm.
Is the Snake catfish dangerous to humans?
The Snake 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 Snake catfish edible?
Yes, the Snake 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 Snake catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Snake catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.