Fin's Fish Guide
The Thickbarbel catfish (Clarias pachynema) is a freshwater fish of the family Clariidae that grows up to 36 cm.
Fresh water of West and Central Africa, in slow-moving water of forest streams, rivers and swamps.
Description
The thickbarbel catfish is an eel-like air-breathing catfish of the family Clariidae reaching about 36 cm. The elongate, scaleless body has four pairs of conspicuously thick barbels around the broad mouth and a very long dorsal and anal fin. 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 forest and swamp water and even crawl over moist ground. The species comes from West and Central Africa and lives in slow water of forest streams, rivers and swamps. 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 Thickbarbel catfish?
The Thickbarbel catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Eel-like air-breathing catfish with strikingly thick barbels and a very long dorsal fin; survives oxygen-poor forest and swamp water.
Where does the Thickbarbel catfish live?
The Thickbarbel catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of West and Central Africa, in slow-moving water of forest streams, rivers and swamps.
How big does the Thickbarbel catfish get?
The Thickbarbel catfish grows to a maximum of about 36 cm.
Is the Thickbarbel catfish dangerous to humans?
The Thickbarbel 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 Thickbarbel catfish edible?
Yes, the Thickbarbel 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 Thickbarbel catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Thickbarbel catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.