Fin's Fish Guide
The Spotted catfish (Parauchenoglanis punctatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Claroteidae that grows up to 41 cm.
Fresh water of Central Africa, in the Congo basin, in calm rivers and creeks with soft bottoms.
Description
The spotted catfish is a stocky African bottom catfish of the family Claroteidae reaching about 41 cm. The brown body bears pale spots, three pairs of barbels around the inferior mouth, an adipose fin and stout, serrated spines in the pectoral and dorsal fins that can cause painful puncture wounds. The species comes from the Congo basin in Central Africa and lives on soft bottoms of quiet rivers and creeks. Mainly at night it probes the bottom with its barbels for insect larvae, molluscs, crustaceans and small fish. Because of its hidden, nocturnal lifestyle it draws little notice; locally it is eaten as bycatch.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Spotted catfish?
The Spotted catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Stocky African bottom catfish with three pairs of barbels, an adipose fin and sturdy spines; brown with pale blotches.
Where does the Spotted catfish live?
The Spotted catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of Central Africa, in the Congo basin, in calm rivers and creeks with soft bottoms.
How big does the Spotted catfish get?
The Spotted catfish grows to a maximum of about 41 cm.
Is the Spotted catfish dangerous to humans?
The Spotted 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 Spotted catfish edible?
The Spotted catfish is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Parauchenoglanis
More from the family Claroteidae
Want the complete picture on the Spotted catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Spotted catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.