Fin's Fish Guide
The Walking catfish (Clarias batrachus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Clariidae that grows up to 47 cm.
Originally South and Southeast Asia, in slow-flowing and stagnant fresh water.
Description
The walking catfish is a scaleless catfish of the family Clariidae reaching about 47 cm. The elongate, grey-brown body has a flattened head with four pairs of barbels, a long dorsal fin and stout, serrated spines in the pectoral fins. It is notable for a branched accessory breathing organ above the gills with which it can breathe air; this lets it tolerate oxygen-poor water and, with wriggling movements, 'walk' over damp land to another body of water. The species is native to South and Southeast Asia but has been stocked worldwide for aquaculture and become locally invasive. As an omnivore it eats invertebrates, plant matter, small fish and detritus.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Walking catfish?
The Walking catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Air-breathing catfish with a branched accessory breathing organ; can 'walk' over land from one water body to another and so survive drought.
Where does the Walking catfish live?
The Walking catfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Originally South and Southeast Asia, in slow-flowing and stagnant fresh water.
How big does the Walking catfish get?
The Walking catfish grows to a maximum of about 47 cm. On average the species is around 26 cm.
Is the Walking catfish dangerous to humans?
The Walking catfish can cause injury; handle it with care. Not venomous, but the stout, serrated pectoral and dorsal spines can give painful puncture wounds; handle the fish carefully and clean any wound.
Is the Walking catfish edible?
Yes, the Walking 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 Walking catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Walking catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.