Fin's Fish Guide
The Striped schilbe (Schilbe multitaeniatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Schilbeidae that grows up to 26 cm.
Fresh water of Central Africa, in the Congo basin, in rivers, creeks and lakes.
Description
The striped schilbe is a slender African catfish of the family Schilbeidae reaching about 26 cm. The silvery body bears several dark lengthwise stripes, barbels around the mouth, an adipose fin and a long anal fin; the pectoral and dorsal fins hold small spines. Unlike many catfishes it swims actively and restlessly in open water rather than on the bottom. The species comes from the Congo basin in Central Africa and lives in rivers, creeks and lakes. As an omnivore it eats insects, small crustaceans, small fish and plant matter. With its tasty flesh it is locally a valued food fish, and for its lively schooling it sometimes appears in the aquarium hobby.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Striped schilbe?
The Striped schilbe has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Slender African catfish with barbels, an adipose fin, a long anal fin and dark longitudinal stripes; swims actively in open water.
Where does the Striped schilbe live?
The Striped schilbe lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Fresh water of Central Africa, in the Congo basin, in rivers, creeks and lakes.
How big does the Striped schilbe get?
The Striped schilbe grows to a maximum of about 26 cm.
Is the Striped schilbe dangerous to humans?
The Striped schilbe 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 Striped schilbe edible?
Yes, the Striped schilbe is commonly eaten.
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All data
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Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Schilbe
More from the family Schilbeidae
Want the complete picture on the Striped schilbe?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Striped schilbe is one of 12,519 species in the app.