Fin's Fish Guide
The Whitespotted airbreathing catfish (Clarias albopunctatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Clariidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Description
The whitespotted airbreathing catfish is an air-breathing catfish (Clariidae) from the fresh waters of Central and West Africa. The species has an elongate, scaleless, dark body with fine white spots, a flattened head, four pairs of barbels and a long dorsal fin; like related airbreathing catfishes it has a tree-shaped gill organ with which it can breathe air. It inhabits swamps, pools and slow-flowing waters and thus survives oxygen-poor conditions. As an omnivore it eats insects, small invertebrates, small fishes and plant matter. The stout pectoral fin spines can give a painful puncture wound when handled.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Whitespotted airbreathing catfish?
The Whitespotted airbreathing catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Tree-like gill organ for breathing air; fine white spots; survives oxygen-poor swamps.
Where does the Whitespotted airbreathing catfish live?
The Whitespotted airbreathing catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Central and West Africa; swamps, pools and slow-flowing waters.
How big does the Whitespotted airbreathing catfish get?
The Whitespotted airbreathing catfish grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Whitespotted airbreathing catfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Whitespotted airbreathing catfish is harmless to humans. Not venomous, but the stout pectoral and dorsal fin spines can inflict a painful puncture wound when handled. Clean the wound thoroughly and seek medical care if it becomes infected.
Is the Whitespotted airbreathing catfish edible?
Yes, the Whitespotted airbreathing catfish is commonly eaten.
Want the complete picture on the Whitespotted airbreathing catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Whitespotted airbreathing catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
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 Whitespotted airbreathing catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Whitespotted airbreathing catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.