African catfish
📖 Overview
Facultative air-breathing ; Hardly anything is known about the biology of this species . Maximum reported size for West Africa: 800 mm TL .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 40 - 46; Anal soft rays: 49 - 58; Vertebrae: 62 - 63. Diagnosis: length of rayed dorsal fin 37-42% standard length; 40-46 dorsal-fin rays; length of adipose fin 22-27% standard length . No serrations on the anterior part of the pectoral spine . Head oval-shaped to rectangular dorsally; snout broadly rounded; eyes rather laterally placed; frontal fontanelle long and narrow; occipital fontanelle relatively long and oval shaped; 'postorbital' bones completely united; suprabranchial organ well developed; pectoral spine smooth; openings of secondary sensory canals with regular geometric pattern . Coloration: preserved specimens: greyish-brown on back and sides, pale brown on belly; some specimens show a marbled colouration, particularly on posterior part of body; caudal fin often with one or more vertical cross-bars . Body and fins occasionally with irregularly placed spots .: elongated; Cross section: circular.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for African catfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for African catfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for African catfish is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; demersal. Tropical; 22°C - 28°C ; 35°N - 4°N
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"African 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
Detailed nutritional data for African catfish is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for African catfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Eel-like Fattyfin Catfish |
| 🇸🇦Arabic | Garmout · Karkor Haleh · Surta |
| 🌍CES | keříčkovec severoafrický |
| 🇫🇷French | Poisson chat africain |
| 🌍GLE | Denor |
| 🌍HAU | Ramboshi |
| 🌍IBO | Azu isii |
| 🌍WOL | Biblique · Kaaranxulle |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 19 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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