Eel catfish
📖 Overview
Facultative air-breathing ; Prefers forest streams and swamps, where it lurks among the roots of trees and may even capture its prey on land. Also found in rapids . Channallabes apus is an omnivore .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 105; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 118; Vertebrae: 76 - 117. Diagnosis: small supraorbital process on infraorbital IV, not reaching the rostral border of the eye; fenestra between scapulo-coracoid and cleithrum absent; interdigitation between entopterygoid and quadrate . : elongated; Cross section: circular.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Eel catfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Eel catfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Eel catfish is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 6.5 - 7.8; dH range: ? - 25. Tropical; 22°C - 25°C ; 3°N - 10°S
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Eel catfish is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked — Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 17 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 338 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Eel catfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 220 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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