Silver catfish
📖 Overview
Reported to be a pelagic species , generally abundant in open water, in both lacustrine and fluviatile conditions, often showing shoaling habits; seems to prefer large or rather large rivers and lakes and apparently rarely penetrates small rivers or small affluents . Occur mainly on shallow waters. Migrate to the surface at night . Surface feeder; nocturnal, omnivorous, voracious and predaceous . Feeds on fish (juvenile as well as adults), insects (aquatic as well as terrestrial ones, larvae as well as adult insects), molluscs, freshwater prawns and other crustaceans, algae and bottom-living and planktonic organisms; vegetable material and eggs were also reported from stomach contents . Primarily piscivorous at 13-34 cm TL . Rarely grow to lengths greater than 30 cm SL . Maximum total length recorded 60.5 cm , 52331). Maximum lifetime observed almost 10 years . Spawn throughout the year peaking once . Migrate into rivers in fairly compact schools during the rainy season to spawn in floodwater pools . Reproduction occurs at high water after the floods . Oviparous, eggs are unguarded . Flesh edible and of good flavour; possible aquaculture species .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 1; Dorsal soft rays (total): 5 - 6; Anal soft rays: 41 - 66. Diagnosis: 8-13 gill rakers (exceptionally 7-14, Ref. 43912) on lower limb of first gill arch; 41-66 branched anal-fin rays; eyes positioned laterally . In the Nile and in West Africa adipose fin usually absent, but specimens with a rudimentary adipose fin occasionally present . In Central and East Africa populations without as well as with entirely developed adipose fin occur; in several populations both morphotypes are mixed together, the adipose fin being absent or present but sometimes varying in size from a recognizable protrusion low down the back to a fully developed adipose fin; posterior nostrils always closer to each other than are anterior ones; lower jaw reaches beyond snout but hardly remarkable in some specimens, mouth being almost isognath; inner side of pectoral spine feebly serrated; nasal barbel at least reaching to midway between eye and opercle but often reaching beyond this level; small specimens (up to about 15 cm) with typical colour pattern with dark lateral bands along sides and anal fin, this pattern gradually disappearsing in larger specimens, the body becoming in general entirely brownish, yellowish and silvery with very few traces of dark lateral bands . Eyes positioned laterally . : fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Silver catfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Distinct pairing .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; pelagic; potamodromous ; depth range 0 - 60 m , usually 0 - 30 m . Tropical
🌿 Ecology
fish (juvenile as well as adults), insects (aquatic as well as terrestrial ones, larvae as well as a
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Silver 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 | 17.2 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 546 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Silver catfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Butter Catfish · Butterfish · Silver Butter Catfish · Silver Catfish |
| 🌍AFR | Makriel |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eutropius lemairii | Boulenger | 1900 | Synonym |
| Schilbe dispela | Günther | 1864 | Synonym |
| Schilbe dispila | Günther | 1864 | Synonym |
| Schilbe palmeri | Svensson | 1933 | Synonym |
| Schilbe senegalensis | Günther | 1864 | Heterotypic |
| Schilbe senegalensis fasciata | Steindachner | 1870 | Synonym |
| Schilbe senegallus | Valenciennes | 1840 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 196 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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